.  DEFT. 


THE    AMERICAN 

FLOWER  GARDEN   DIRECTORY, 

CONTAINING 

PRACTICAL  DIRECTIONS  FOR  THE  CULTURE  OF  PLANTS, 
IN   THE 

HOT-HOUSE,  GARDEN- HOUSE,  FLO  WES.  GARDEN  AND 
ROOMS  OR  PARLOURS, 

FOR     EVERY     MONTH     IN     THE     YEAR. 

With 

A  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  PLANTS  MOST  DESIRABLE  IN  EACH,  THE  NATURE  OF  THE  SOIL  AND 

SITUATION  BEST  ADAPTED  TO  THEIR  GROWTH,  THE  PROPER  SEASON  FOR 

TRANSPLANTING,  &C. 

INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  ERECTING  A 

fHot=iirou3r,  <3rmtt=ftottsc,  amto  lagCng  out  a  jFioton:  <Bf artetu 

ALSO 

Table  of  Soils  most  congenial  to  the  Plants  contained  in  the  Work. 

THE  WHOLE  ADAPTED  TO  EITHER  LARGE  OR  SMALL  GARDENS, 

WITH 

LISTS  OF  ANNUALS,  BIENNIALS,  AND  ORNAMENTAL  SHRUBS, 

CONTENTS,    A    GENERAL    INDEX, 
AND  A  FRONTISPIECE  OF  CAMELLIA  FIMBRIATA. 


BY  HIBBERT  AND 

EXOTIC     NURSERYMEN     AND     FLORISTS. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

E.  L.  CAREY  &  A.  HART— CHESNUT  STREET. 

BOSTON : 

ALLEN  &  TICKNOR. 
1834. 


Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania,  to  wit:  No.  240. 

BE  IT  REMEMBERED,  that  on  the  nineteenth  day  of  May,  Anno  Domini  one  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  and  thirty-two, 

HlBBERT  &  BUIST, 

of  the  said  district,  hath  deposited  in  this  office  the  title  of  a  book,  the  title  of  which 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit ; 

The  American  Flower  Garden  Directory,  containing  Practical  Directions  for  the  Cul- 
tivation of  Plants  in  the  Hot-house,  Garden-house,  Flower  Garden,  and  Rooms  or  Parlours, 
for  every  month  in  the  year.  With  a  description  of  the  Plants  most  desirable  in  each ;  the 
nature  of  the  soil  and  situation  best  adapted  to  their  growth;  the  proper  season  for  trans- 
planting, &c. 

Instructions  for  erecting  a  Hot-house,  Green-house,  and  Laying  out  a  Flower  Garden. 
Also,  Table  of  Soils  most  congenial  to  the  Plants  contained  in  the  work.  The  whole  adapt- 
ed to  either  large  or  small  Gardens,  with  lists  of  annuals,  biennials,  and  ornamental  Shrubs, 
Contents,  a  General  Index,  and  a  Frontispiece  of  Camellia  Fimbriata.  By  Hibbert  & 
Buist,  Exotic  Nurserymen  and  Florists. 

The  right  whereof  they  claim  as  authors,  in  conformity  with  an  Act  of  Congress, 
entitled  "  An  Act  to  amend  the  several  Acts  respecting  Copy- Rights." 

FRAS.  HOPKINSON,  Clk.  District. 


For  value  received,  I  hereby  transfer  the  within  copy-right  to  Messrs.  Carey  &  Hart. 
Philad.  Dec.  31, 1833. 

BOBT.  BUIST, 
Surviving  partner  of  the  late  firm  of  Hibbert  &  Buist 


PREFACE. 


THIS  volume  owes  its  existence  principally  to  the  repeated  requests 
of  a  number  of  our  fair  patrons,  and  amateur  supporters,  whose  en- 
quiries and  wishes  for  a  practical  manual  on  Floraculture,  at  last  in- 
duced us  to  prepare  a  work  on  the  subject.  That  now  offered  is  given 
unaffectedly  and  simply  as  a  plain  and  easy  treatise  on  this  increasing- 
ly interesting  subject.     It  will  at  once  be  perceived  that  there  are  no 
pretensions  to  literary  claims — the  directions  are  given  in  the  simplest 
manner — the  arrangement  made  as  lucidly  as  was  in  our  power — and 
the  whole  is  presented  with  the  single  wish  of  its  being  practically  use- 
ful.    How  far  our  object  has  been  attained  of  course  our  readers  must 
judge.     Nothing  has  been  intentionally  concealed  ;  and  all  that  is  as- 
serted is  the  result  of  minute  observation,  close  application,  and  an 
extended  continuous  experience  from  childhood.     We  pretend  not  to 
infallibility,  and  are  not  so  sanguine  as  to  declare  our  views  the  most 
perfect  that  can  be  attained.     But  we  can  so  far  say,  that  the  prac- 
tice here  recommended  has  been  found  very  successful. 

Some  very  probably  may  be  disappointed  in  not  having  the  means 
of  propagating  as  clearly  delineated  as  those  of  culture  ;  but  to  have 
entered  into  all  the  minutiae  connected  therewith,  would  have  formed 
materials  for  two  volumes  larger  than  the  present.  We  might  have 
described  that  branch,  as  it  has  already  been  done  in  works  published 


667870 


IV  PREFACE. 

both  on  this  continent  and  in  Europe.  In  one  of  the  former  it  is  said, 
"  You  may  now  propagate  many  kinds  (Exotic  Plants)  by  suckers, 
cuttings,  and  layers,  which  should  be  duly  attended  to,  particularly 
such  as  are  scarce  and  difficult  to  be  obtained."  And  the  directions 
given  in  one  of  the  most  extensive  works  in  Europe  on  the  propagation 
of  an  extensive  genus,  varied  in  character  and  constitution,  run  thus : 
u  Cuttings  of  most  kinds  will  strike  root.  From  the  strongest  grow- 
ing kinds,  take  off  large  cuttings  at  a  joint,  and  plunge  them  in  a  pot 
of  sand  under  a  hand-glass  in  the  bark  bed.  Of  the  smaller  kinds 
take  younger  kinds,  and  put  them  under  a  bell-glass,  also  plunged  in 
heat.  The  sooner  the  plants  are  potted  off  after  they  are  rooted  the 
better.11 

Such  instructions  to  the  inexperienced,  are  imperfect  and  unavail- 
ing, which,  we  flatter  ourselves,  is  not  the  character  that  will  attach  to 
the  present  work.  We  are  well  aware  that  there  are  persons,  who,  to 
show  their  own  superior  abilities,  may  cavil  and  say 'that  there  is  nothing 
new.  To  such  critics  it  may  be  answered,  if  arranging,  simplifying, 
digesting,  and  rendering  Floraculture  attainable  by  the  humblest  capa- 
city, with  useful  lists  and  tables  on  a  plan  quite  novel,  as  we  believe — 
offer  nothing  new,  it  may  at  least  be  called  an  improvement.  How- 
ever, we  submit  all  to  a  generous  public,  to  whom  we  are  already 
under  many  obligations. 

HlBBERT   &    BuiST. 
Philadelphia,  April  18th,  1832. 


i 


INTRODUCTION. 


IN  presenting  this  work,  constructed  as  a  monthly  calendar,  which 
is  the  most  simple  and  easy  method  to  convey  the  necessary  opera- 
tions of  the  year,  considerably  more  labour  has  been  expended,  than 
was  at  first  expected,  to  render  it  as  accurate  as  possible.  Some 
verbal  mistakes  may  have  been  overlooked  in  the  botanical  names. 
Where  such  occur,  the  list  of  names  at  the  end  of  the  volume  will 
enable  the  reader  to  correct  them ;  as  well  as  the  accentuation. 
For  such  other  errors  as  may  be  discovered,  the  indulgence  of  the 
reader  is  solicited. 

Frequently,  in  the  description  of  plants,  there  are  Botanical  and 
English  names  compounded,  in  order  the  more  clearly  to  elucidate 
their  several  parts  to  those  who  are  not  fully  acquainted  with  scienti- 
fic terms.  The  description  of  the  colour  of  flowers  and  habits  of 
plants  will  be  useful  to  such  as  are  at  a  great  distance  from  collec- 
tions, in  enabling  them  to  make  selections  judiciously. 

Those  plants  described  and  recommended  have  all,  with  a  few  ex- 
ceptions, passed  under  our  own  observation,  and  are  generally  such 
as  are  most  worthy  of  attention,  either  for  beauty  of  flower,  foliage, 
or  habit,  together  with  those  celebrated  in  arts  and  medicine.  Many 
may  possibly  have  passed  unobserved,  either  from  their  being  very  gene- 
rally known,  or  difficult  to  obtain  ;  but  in  no  case  has  there  been  sup- 
pression from  selfish  motives.  Where  the  words  "  our  collections" 
occur,  it  is  meant  for  those  of  the  country  generally,  and  especially 
those  immediately  in  the  vicinity  of  Philadelphia.  In  all  our  observa- 
tions, no  regard  has  been  paid  to  what  has  been  written  by  others, 


VI  INTRODUCTION. 

either  in  the  way  of  depreciation,  or  of  particular  apppreciation. 
Perhaps  some  other  cultivators  may  differ  from  us  respecting  culture 
and  soil ;  however  this  may  be,  we  rest  satisfied,  as  our  work  is  de- 
signedly and  professedly  given  as  the  result  of  our  own  experience, 
the  plan  laid  down  is  our  own  routine  of  culture,  and  the  soils  are 
those  which  we  adopt.  We  do  not  say  that  there  is  no  soil  in  which 
the  plants  will  not  grow  better,  fully  aware  that  every  art  and  profes- 
sion is  subject  to  improvement.  The  table  of  soils  has  been  construct- 
ed at  the  expense  of  much  labour,  and  condensed  as  much  as  possible  ; 
to  every  one  that  has  a  single  plant  it  will  be  found  invaluable.  Many 
are  the  publications  in  Europe  on  Gardening  and  Floraculture,  the 
directions  in  which,  when  practised  in  the  United  States,  prove 
almost  a  perfect  dead  letter.  A  work  adapted  to  the  climate  must 
be  the  guide  in  this  country,  and  not  one  which  is  foreign  to  us  in 
every  respect.  On  this  account  a  work  like  the  present  has  been  a 
desideratum,  considering  the  rapidly  increasing  and  interesting  ad- 
vancement of  the  culture  of  flowers  amongst  the  fair  daughters  of 
our  flourishing  republic. 

To  aid  them  and  others  seeking  information  in  this  instructive  and 
delightful  pursuit — to  enable  them  to  examine  more  minutely,  and 
judge  more  correctly  of  the  qualities,  properties,  and  beauties  of 
plants — have  been  prominent  objects  in  this  publication.  Here,  as 
knowledge  is  increased,  the  warmer  will  be  the  devotion  of  the  de- 
lighted student ;  and  as  the  mind  correspondingly  expands,  the  desire 
for  further  information  will  keep  pace — advancing  constantly  in  the 
development  of  nature,  the  mind  will  participate  in  the  enjoyment, 
and  become  meliorated  and  purified — as  the  study  of  nature's  works 
inevitably  lead  to  the  contemplation  of  nature's  God,  and  the  result  of 
the  whole  prove  a  harmonious  combination  of  personal  gratification  and 
mental  improvement. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


HOT-HOUSE. 


JANUARY. 

Of  Temperature, 
Firing  and  Fuel, 
Watering 
Insects,  to  destroy, 
Shifting  Plants, 
Cleaning  do.,    &c.. 

FEBRUARY. 

Of  Temperature, 
Insects, 

Shifting  Plants, 
Cleaning  do.  and  House, 

MARCH. 

General  Observations, 
Of  Shifting  Plants, 

APRIL. 

Of  Temperature, 
Observations  in  general, 

MAY. 

Of  Repotting  Plants, 
Hot-house  Plants  described, 


Page 

9 

Of  bringing  out  the  Hot-house  Plants,  255 

ib. 

Succulents 

257 

11 

12 

JUNE  Sf  JULY. 

17 

General  Observations, 

272 

19 

AUGUST. 

Of  Repotting, 

284 

33 

Repairing  the  House, 

ib. 

34 

*>er 

SEPTEMBER. 

95 

37 

Of  Dressing  the  Plants, 
Taking  in         do., 

298 
ib. 

OCTOBER. 

56 
57 

Of  Airing  and  Temperature, 

311 

NOVEMBER. 

Of  Temperature, 

326 

168 

Cistern  and  Water, 

ib. 

169 

DECEMBER. 

Of  Firing, 

337 

219 

Shutters, 

ib. 

ib. 

Placing  Bulbs  in  the  Hot-ho 

use,  338 

GREEN-HOUSE. 


JANUARY. 

Green -house,  20 

Of  Temperature,  21 

Watering,  ib. 

Camellia  Japonica,  22 

Oranges,  Lemons,  £c.,  24 

Cape  Bulbs,  &c.,  ib. 

Hyacinths,  &c.,  25 

FEBRUARY. 

Of  Temperature,  38 

Watering,  39 

Oranges  and  Lemons,  ib. 

Bulbs,  40 

Camellia  Japonica,  41 

Shifting,  ib. 

Cleaning,  &c.,  43 


MARCH. 

Of  Temperature,  57 

Watering,  58 

Oranges  and  Lemons,  ib. 

Myrtles  and  Oleanders,  59 

Geraniums,  60 

Herbaceous  plants,  ib. 

Cape  Bulbs,  ib. 

Repotting,  61 

Enarching,  127 

APRIL. 

Of  Repotting,  170 

Watering,  ib. 

Oranges  and  Lemons,  171 

Myrtles  and  Oleanders,  173 

Geraniums,  ib. 


Vlll 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Of  Herbaceous  Plants  and  Bulbs,       174 

Flowering  Plants,  175 

Insects,  ib. 

Flowering  Stocks,  176 

MAY. 

Of  bringing  out  the  Green-house 

Plants,  258 

Repotting  Plants,  259 

Camellias,  264 

Cape  Bulbs,  265 

JUNE  ff  JULY. 

General  Observations,  273 

AUGUST. 

Of  Geraniums,  286 

Oranges  and  Lemons,  287 

Pruning             do.,  289 

Repotting  Plants,  ib. 


Page. 
300 


SEPTEMBER. 

Of  Repairing  the  House, 

Watering,  301 
Preparing  for  taking  in  the  Plants,  ib. 

Stocks  and  Wall-flowers,  302 

Chrysanthemums,  ib. 

Cape  and  Holland  Bulbs,  303 

Repotting,  306 

OCTOBER. 

Of  taking  in  and  arranging  the 

Plants,  312 

Repotting,  313 

Camellias,  315 

NOVEMBER. 

Of  Air  and  Water,  327 

Tender  Bulbs,  328 

DECEMBER. 

Of  Temperature,  340 

Bulbous  Roots,  341 


FLOWER-GARDEN. 


JANUARY. 

Flower  Garden, 

Of  Framing,  &c. 

Pruning, 

FEBRUARY. 

Of  Pruning, 

Planting  Shrubs, 
Hyacinths  and  other  Bulbs, 
Framing, 

MARCH. 

Of  Planting  Box  Edgings, 
Sowing  Tender  Annuals, 
Sowing  Hardy        " 
Sowing  Biennials, 
Planting  Perennials, 
Bulbous  Roots, 
Repotting  Carnations,  Pinks  and 

Primroses, 
Auriculas, 

Ranunculus  and  Anemone, 
Roses,  planting, 
Pruning  Climbing  Roses, 
Planting  Ornamental  Shrubs, 
Grass-plats  and  Walks, 
Gravel-walks, 
Fancy-edgings, 
Grafting, 


130 
131 
132 
133 
ib. 
152 

153 
154 
155 

ib. 
159 

ib. 
160 
162 

ib. 
163 


APRIL. 
Of  Annuals, 

Biennials  and  Perennials, 
Dahlias, 
China  Roses, 
Climbing  " 

"         Plants, 
Deciduous  Shrubs, 
Planting  Evergreens, 
Care  of  choice  Bulbs, 
Anemone  and  Ranunculus, 
Auriculas, 

Carnations  and  Pinks, 
Polianthus  tuberosa, 
Jacobea  Lily,  &c. 
Tiger-flower, 
Walks, 

Evergreen  Hedges, 
Box-edgings, 
Grass-plats  &  Flowering-plants,  212 

MAY. 

Of  Annuals,  hardy  and  tender,  266 
,    Hyacinths  and  Tulips,  ib. 
Anemone  and  Ranunculus,  267 
Dahlia,  Tuberose,  and  Amaryllis,  ib. 
Auricula,  Polyanthus  and  Prim- 
rose, ib. 
Wall-flower,  double,  268 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


JUNE  AND  JULY. 

Holland  Bulbs,  274 

Autumn  flowering-bulbs,  ib. 

Carnations  and  Pinks,  275 

Of  Laying  Carnations  and  Pinks,  277 

Pruning  Roses,  278 

Budding,  279 

Watering,  281 

AUGUST. 

Of  Evergreen  Hedges,  293 

Carnations  and  Pinks,  294 

Bulbous  Roots,  ib. 

Sowing  Seeds  of  do.  295 

u  and  gathering  Seeds,  296 

SEPTEMBER. 

Of  Dahlias,  307 

General  care  of  Plants  in  pots,  ib. 

Beds  for  Bulbous-roots,  308 


OCTOBER. 

Of  Planting  various  Bulbs,  317 

"  and  transplanting,  302 

Grass  and  Gravel-walks,  322 

Planting  Evergreens,  ib. 

NOVEMBER. 

Of  Protecting  Choice  Bulbs,  329 
Tuberose,  Dahlia,  Tigridia,  and 

AmaryHis  330 

Erythrinas,  ib. 

Primrose  and  Daisy,  331 

Choice   Carnations,  Pinks,  and 

Auriculas,  ib. 

Protecting  Plants,  332 

"  Seeding-bulbs,  333 

Planting  Deciduous  Trees  and 

Shrubs,  ib. 


DECEMBER. 

General  Observations, 


342 


ROOMS. 


JANUAR  Y. 

Rooms, 

Of  Temperature, 

Watering, 

Camellia  Japonica, 

Insects, 

Bulbous  Roots, 

FEBRUARY. 

Of  Temperature, 
Hyacinths, 
Camellias, 

MARCH. 

General  Observations, 
Of  Flowering  Plants, 

APRIL. 

Of  plants  brought  from  the  Green 

house, 

Flowering  Plants, 
Bringing  Plants  out  of  the  cellar,   ib. 

MAY. 

Of  Bringing  out  the  Plants,  269 


Cape  bulbs, 

270 

28 

Repotting, 

271 

ib. 

29 

JUNE  AND  JULY. 

ib. 

General  Observations, 

282 

30 

31 

AUGUST. 

General  Observations, 

296 

Sowing  Mignonette, 

297 

54 

• 

55 

SEPTEMBER.     ' 

ib. 

Of  a  Stage  for  Rooms, 

309 

General  Observations, 

310 

165 
166 

OCTOBER. 

Of  taking  in  the  Plants, 

323 

Bulbous  roots, 

324 

214 

NOVEMBER. 

215 

Of  Camellias,  &c. 

335 

ib. 

DECEMBER. 

An  outline  of  culture  of  plants, 

344 

Index  of  Plants, 
Description  of  Soils, 
Table  of  Soils, 

2* 


353 
375 

ib. 


On  the  construction  of  a  Hot-house,  345. 

348 

"  "  "     Green-house,  349 

On  laying  out  a  Flower  Garden,  349,  352 


,      y    • 


OMITTED  IN  MARCH. 

' 

Jasmmum,  Jasmine.  A  few  species  of  this  genus  are 
celebrated  either  for  the  Green-house  or  Rooms.  J. 
odoratissimum,  Azorian,  has  very  sweet-scented  yellow 
flowers,  blooming  from  April  to  November.  /.  revohi- 
tum  is  the  earliest  flowering  one,  and  of  the  same  colour ; 
it  is  apt  to  grow  straggling,  and  should  be  close  pruned 
as  soon  as  done  blooming,  which  will  be  about  June. 
J.  grandiflorum  is  frequently  called  Catalonian,  and 
should  be  pruned  early  in  spring  to  make  it  bloom  well, 
especially  old  plants.  /.  officinale  is  a  hardy  climbing 
plant  for  arbours,  walls,  &c.  There  are  several  varie- 
ties of  it,  and  it  is  reported  there  is  a  double  one. 


ERRATA. 

Page  104,  dele  «  L.  SilaifMia  has  leaves  bipinnatifid  and  smooth ;  segments 
wedge-shaped  and  cut ;  L.  dtnt&la  and  L.  ilicifdlia,  are  the  finest ;"  and  place  it 
to  "  Lometiia^  page  103. 

Page  321,  ninth  line  from  top,  dele  "  Pedulis" 


THE 

AMERICAN    FLOWER    GARDEN 

DIRECTORY. 


JANUARY. 

AT  all  times  be  very  careful  of  the  temperature  of 
this  department,  and  more  especially  at  this  season  of 
the  year,  as  a  few  minutes*  neglect  might  materially 
injure  many  of  the  delicate  plants.  The  thermometer 
ought  to  range  between  58°  and  65°.  In  fine  sunshine 
days,  admit  a  little  air  by  having  some  of  the  top  sashes 
let  down,  one,  two,  or  three  inches,  according  to  the 
weather,  and  let  it  always  be  done  from  eleven  to  one 
o'clock ;  but  by  no  means  in  such  a  manner  as  to  cause 
a  draught  in  the  interior  of  the  house,  which  would  be 
very  prejudicial.  Therefore  be  always  cautious  during 
cold  weather,  in  administering  that  necessary  element 
to  vegetation,  which  is  so  conducive  to  health. 

OF  FIRING  AND  FUEL. 

The  Hot-house  ought  never  to  be  left  entirely  to  in- 
experienced persons,  because  they  are  not  aware  of 
what  might  be  the  result  of  inattention  even  for  an  hour. 

2 


10  HOT-HOUSE—FUEL.  [JANUARY. 

Attention  to  the  following  observations  will  obviate 
every  difficulty.  About  this  season  of  the  year,  frost 
generally  sets  in  very  severe  in  the  middle  states.  Sup- 
pose the  day  may  have  all  the  clemency  of  spring,  the 
night  may  be  directly  the  reverse.  Every  precaution 
is  necessary  to  guard  against  extremes.  According  to 
what  w#s.  said  last  month,  it  is  understood  that  the 
/shutters -are 'put  on  every  night  at  sundown,  and  in 
rsevet^;  feather,,  they  must  be  put  on  as  soon  as  the  sun 
'goes  off  tHe  glass.  If  the  shutters  are  omitted  till  late 
in  severe  frost,  it  will  so  reduce  the  heat  of  the  house, 
that  you  cannot  overcome  it  by  fire  until  near  mid- 
night; and  when  done,  the  fire  or  fires  have  been  made 
more  powerful  than  they  ought  to  be,  proving  uncon- 
genial to  the  plants  that  are  near  the  flues.  The  air, 
as  above  directed,  having -been  taken  off  the  house  at 
one  o'clock,  as  soon  as  the  mercury  begins  to  fall  in 
the  thermometer,  kindle  the  fire,  and  supposing  it  is 
anthracite  coal,  in  twenty  minutes,  with  a  good  draw- 
ing furnace,  the  heat  will  operate  in  the  house.  If  a 
coal  fire,  kindled  about  four  o'clock,  it  will  require  an 
addition  about  six,  and  then  may  be  made  up  again 
about  nine  or  ten,  which  will  suffice  until  morning. 
The  quantity  must  be  regulated  by  the  weather.  If 
the  fuel  is  wood,  it  must  be  attended  to  three  or  four 
times  during  the  evening ;  and  when  the  mornings  are 
intensely  cold,  one  fire  in  the  morning  is  requisite. 
When  there  are  bad  drawing  furnaces  the  fires  must 
be  made  much  earlier,  perhaps  by  two  or  three  o'clock, 
which  will  be  easily  observed  by  the  time  the  fire  takes 
effect  upon  the  air  of  the  house.  The  temperature 
ought  never  to  be  under  55°  of  Fahrenheit. 


JANUARY.]  HOT-HOUSE— WATERING  PLANTS.  ]  ] 

OF  WATERING  THE  PLANTS. 

To  do  this  judiciously,  is  so  necessary  to  vegetation, 
and  so  requisite  to  understand,  and  yet  the  knowledge 
so  difficult  to  convey  to  others  (being  entirely  acquired 
by  practice,)  that  if  the  power  was  in  man  to  impart  it 
to  his  fellow-men,  he  would  possess  the  power  of 
perfecting  a  gardener  by  diction.  However,  the  hints 
on  this  important  point  of  floraculture,  will  be  as  clear 
and  expressive  as  can  at  present  be  elicited.  All  plants 
in  this  work  that  are  aquatic,  shall  be  specified  as 
such ;  and  those  that  are  arid  shall  be  duly  mentioned. 
All  others  will  come  in  the  medium. 

All  the  plants  must  be  looked  over  every  day,  and 
those  watered  that  appear  to  be  getting  dry  on  the 
top.  It  must  be  strictly  observed  not  to  give  water  to 
any  but  such  as  are  becoming  dry,  and  let  it  be  given 
moderately  at  this  season.  Two  or  three  days  may  per- 
haps elapse  before  it  need  be  repeated.  There  is  not  so 
much  liability  to  err  at  present  in  giving  too  little,  as  in 
administering  too  much.  Vegetation  amongst  the  stove 
or  Hot-house  plants  will  soon  begin  to  show,  and  the  soil 
will  prove  uncongenial  if  it  is  impregnated  with  stag- 
nant moisture.  Small  plants  should  always  be  watered 
with  a  pot,  having  what  is  termed  a  rose  upon  it.  The 
surface  of  the  rose,  that  is,  where  it  is  perforated  with 
small  apertures,  ought  to  be  level,  or  a  little  concave, 
which  would  convey  the  water  more  to  a  centre,  and 
make  neater  work,  by  preventing  any  water  from  being 
unnecessarily  spilt  in  the  house.  The  size  of  the  pot 
will  be  regulated  by  the  person  to  suit  the  conveniences 


12  HOTHOUSE— DESTRUCTION  OF  INSECTS.       [JANUARY. 

of  the  place.  Water,  when  applied  either  to  the  roots 
or  foliage  of  the  plants,  should  be  about  the  medium 
temperature  of  the  house.  The  cistern,  built  on  the 
plan  herein  recommended,  will  always  give  this,  and 
sometimes  more,  which  can  easily  be  reduced  by  add- 
ing cold  water.  Where  there  are  no  cisterns,  a  tank 
or  barrel  might  be  in  the  house,  in  which  the  water 
could  stand  for  one  night  or  more,  as  is  most  suitable. 
When  water  is  given  without  being  thus  aired,  it  chills 
the  roots,  prevents  a  luxuriant  growth,  injures  the  fresh 
and  healthful  appearance  of  the  foliage,  and  too  fre- 
quently gives  to  all  the  plants  a  sickly  hue. 

OF  INSECTS,  THEIR  DESTRUCTION,  &c. 

In  this  department,  insects  begin  to  increase  by 
hundreds,  and  too  frequently  their  ravages  are  very 
obvious  before  their  progress  is  arrested.  We  will 
treat  of  those  which  are  most  common,  under  their  re- 
spective heads,  with  their  nature  and  cure,  as  far  as 
has  come  under  our  observation. 

Aphis  rosa>,  of  the  natural  order  of  Hemiptera,  or 
what  is  commonly  known  by  Green  Fly,  Green  Lice. 
&c.  infect  plants  in  general,  and  are  particularly  de- 
structive in  the  Hot-house  to  Hibiscus  rosa-sinensis,  Jls- 
clepias,  Crdssula  coccinea,  ,/Hstrcemeria,  and  many  other 
plants  of  a  free  growing  nature.  They  attack  the 
young  and  tender  shoots  at  the  point,  leaving  a  dark 
filthy  appearance  on  the  foliage.  Many  remedies  for 
their  destruction  have  been  offered  to  the  public  by 
various  writers,  each  equally  secure  in  his  own  opinion. 


JANUARY.]  HOTHOUSE— DESTRUCTION  OF  INSECTS.  ]  3 

Extensive  practice  alone  can  show  the  most  easy  and 
effectual  cure.  Fumigating  with  tobacco  is  decidedly 
the  most  efficacious,  and  in  the  power  of  any  to  per- 
form. Take  a  small  circular  furnace,  made  of  sheet 
iron,  diameter  at  top  twelve  inches,  and  at  bottom 
eight;  depth  one  foot,  having  a  grating  in  it  to  reach 
within  three  inches  of  the  bottom,  which  will  leave  space 
for  the  air  to  pass,  and  where  the  ashes  will  fall  and  be 
kept  in  safety,  having  a  handle  like  a  pail  to  carry  it 
with.  This,  or  any  thing  similar,  being  ready,  put  in 
it  a  few  embers  of  ignited  charcoal;  take  it  into  the 
centre  of  the  house,  and  put  on  the  coals  a  quantity  of 
moist  tobacco  stems.  If  they  attempt  to  blaze  or 
flame,  sprinkle  a  little  water  over  them ;  and  as  they 
consume,  continue  to  add  tobacco  until  the  house  is 
entirely  full  of  smoke,  observing  always  to  do  it  in  still, 
cloudy  weather,  or  in  the  evening.  If  it  is  windy,  the 
smoke  is  carried  off  without  having  half  the  effect, 
and  requires  more  tobacco.  The  house  must  be 
closely  shut  up.  There  are  several  plants  whose  foli- 
age is  of  a  soft  downy  nature,  such  as  Helitrbpiums, 
Callacdrpas,  Sdlvias,  and  many  of  the  Lantanas,  Vincas, 
with  several  others,  that  cannot  stand,  without  danger, 
strong  fumigation.  These  should  be  put  low  down  in 
the  house,  or  under  the  stage.  These  fumigations 
will  have  to  be  repeated  frequently,  the  time  for  which 
will  easily  be  perceived;  and,  when  required,  ought  not 
to  be  delayed.  Several  species  and  varieties  of  the 
same  genus,  Aphis,  can  be  destroyed  in  the  like  man- 
ner. 

Acaris  tellurius,  or  red  spider,  is  caused  by  a  dry  at- 


1 4  HOTHOUSE— DESTRUCTION  OF  INSECTS.  [JANUARY. 

mosphere,  and  its  havoc  generally  is  obvious  before  it 
is  arrested.  With  its  proboscis,  it  wounds  the  fine  ca- 
pillary vessels;  and  if  the  leaves  are  fine,  they  will  ap- 
pear as  if  probed  with  a  needle,  and  yellowish  around 
the  wound.  If  they  have  farther  progressed  in  their 
destructive  work,  the  leaves  will  prematurely  decay. 
On  this  appearance,  turn  up  the  leaf,  and  you  will  see 
them  running  about  with  incredible  swiftness.  Their 
body  is  of  a  blood  colour,  and  their  feet,  eight  in 
number,  light  red.  When  very  numerous,  they  work 
thick  webs  on  the  under  side  of  the  leaf,  and  fre- 
quently all  over  it,  forming  a  mass  of  half  dead 
plants,  decayed  leaves,  and  thousands  of  spiders. 
The  most  effectual  remedy  is  a  thorough  syring- 
ing with  water,  and  profusely  under  the  foliage.  This 
being  done  every  evening,  will  subdue  and  eventually 
banish  them.  Had  the  house  been  syringed  two  or 
three  times  per  week,  these  intruders  would  not  have 
appeared.  It  is  said  by  some  writers,  that  watering 
only  reduces  them  to  a  temporary  state  of  inaction, 
and  will  not  destroy  them.  Laying  aside  the  many 
prescribed  nostrums,  we  assert  that  the  pure  element 
is  the  most  effectual  cure,  as  well  as  the  most  easy 
to  be  obtained. 

Thrips,  order  Hemiptera,  are  insects  so  minute  as 
scarcely  to  be  perceptible  to  the  naked  eye.  They 
generally  lurk  close  to  the  veins  of  the  leaves  of  plants, 
and  frequently  attack  esculents.  When  viewed  through 
a  glass,  they  are  seen,  when  touched,  to  skip  with 
great  agility.  The  larva  is  of  a  high  brown,  or  reddish 
colour.  The  thrip  has  four  wings,  and  walks  with  its 


JANUARY.]  HOTHOUSE— DESTRUCTION  OF  INSECTS.  ]  5 

body  turned  upwards.  It  frequently  attacks  the  extremi- 
ties of  tender  shoots,  or  young  leaves,  which  become 
shrivelled,  brown,  and  will  rub  to  dust  easily  between 
the  thumb  and  finger.  When  any  leaves  or  shoots  are 
perceived  to  be  so,  if  you  do  not  observe  the  green  fly, 
expect  the  thrips.  They  may  be  destroyed  by  a  fumi- 
gation of  tobacco,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  green  fly. 
By  the  simple  and  expeditious  method  of  fumigation, 
these  insects  and  several  others  may  be  destroyed  effec- 
tually at  any  time  they  appear. 

Cocus  hesperidus,  or  mealy  bug,  has  appeared  in  the 
Hot-houses  about  Philadelphia  within  these  few  years, 
and,  if  not  instantly  destroyed,  increases  rapidly.  It 
is  of  a  white  dusty  colour,  when  broken,  of  a  brownish 
red,  generally  covered  with  down,  under  which  it  de- 
posits its  eggs ;  and  they,  in  a  few  months,  come  forth 
in  great  numbers.  The  cocus  generally  is  of  a  dor- 
mant nature,  but,  in  warm  weather,  they  may  be  seen 
moving  rapidly  up  the  stems  of  the  plants.  Fumigat- 
ing has  no  observable  effect  on  these  insects ;  there- 
fore, as  soon  as  they  appear,  recourse  must  be  had  to 
other  means.  The  liquid  made  from  the  following  re- 
ceipt, is  death  to  any  of  the  Cocus  tribe :  Take  two 
pounds  of  strong  soap,  one  pound  flour  of  sulphur,  one 
pound  of  leaf  tobacco,  one  and  a  half  ounce  of  nux  vo- 
inica,  with  a  table  spoonful  of  turpentine,  which  boil  in 
four  gallons  of  river  water  to  three ;  then  set  aside  to 
cool.  When  boiling,  stir  it  well  with  a  stick,  continu- 
ing to  do  so  until  it  is  reduced  as  above.  In  this 
liquor  immerse  the  whole  plant,  drawing  it  to  and  fro 
gently,  that  the  liquor  may  penetrate  every  where. 


16  HOTHOUSE— DESTRUCTION  OF  INSECTS.       [JANUARY. 

This  done,  lay  the  plant  on  its  side,  until  it  begin  to 
dry,  then  syringe  well  with  clean  water,  and  put  it  in 
its  respective  station.  Where  a  collection  of  plants 
is  free  from  any  insects  of  the  kind,  every  plant  that  is 
introduced,  ought  to  be  minutely  scrutinized,  that  the 
unclean  may  be  kept  from  the  clean :  the  above  insect 
will  feed  almost  on  any  plant,  but  indulges  on  Crdssulas, 
any  of  the  bristly  Cactus,  Gardenias,  and  in  fact  what- 
ever is  in  the  way. 

Cocus ,  or  brown  scaly  insect,  is  frequently 

found  on  many  plants,  but  we  never  could  perceive  that 
it  does  any  other  material  injury,  than  dirtying  them. 
We  have  always  observed,  that  it  is  found  in  winter  to 
abound  most  in  those  situations  which  are  most  ex- 
cluded from  air;  therefore  is  of  less  importance  than  the 
other  species,  which  eat  and  corrode  the  leaves  of  ten- 
der plants.  A  washing  with  strong  soap  suds  will  de- 
stroy them,  or  the  above  liquid  will  do  it  more  effec- 
tually. Tie  a  piece  of  sponge  on  the  end  of  a  small 
stick,  and  scrub  every  leaf,  stem,  and  crevice.  Fumi- 
gating destroys  the  larvae  of  this  species. 

Cocus ,  or  small  white  scaly  insect,  which 

generally  infests  Cycas  revoluta  and  circinalis,  the  varie- 
ties of  Nerium  oleander,  Oleas,  and  several  species  of 
Acacias,  may  be  destroyed  by  washing  as  above  with  a 
sponge,  and  a  strong  decoction  of  tobacco,  using  the 
liquid  about  the  warmth  of  100°.  Being  thus  heated, 
it  irritates  the  insect,  when,  by  easing  itself  from  its 
bed,  the  fluid  passes  under  it,  and  causes  immediate 
death.  If  it  is  not  thus  irritated,  it  adheres  so  closely 
to  the  foliage,  that  it  will  keep  you  at  defiance.  The 


, 

JANUARY.]     .*y        HOTHOUSE—  SHIFTING  PLANTS.  J7 

-  * 

ance.  The  under,  or  dark  side  of  the  leaves  is  its 
residence  ;  and  we  have  observed  a  plant  in  a  house 
where  there  was  only  light  on  one  side,  with  the  dack 
side  literally  covered,  while  the  light  side  was  clean. 
So  much  for  having  houses  with  plenty  of  light.  The 
effects  of  this  insect  are  of  a  corroding  nature,  extract- 
ing all  the  juices  from  the  leaf  under  it,  even  straining 
to  the  other  side  ;  and  where  they  have  got  to  the 
extremity,  the  foliage  is  completely  yellow,  and  of  a 
decayed  appearance. 

Cocus  --  ,  or  turtle  insect.  We  have  never 
observed  this  insect  arrive  to  any  extent,  but  think  that 
the  Datura  arborea  is  most  infested  with  it.  It  is  the 
largest  of  any  genus  known  amongst  us,  and  very 
like  a  turtle  in  miniature.  On  lifting  it  from  the  wood, 
to  which  it  generally  adheres,  there  appear  to  be  hun- 
dreds of  eggs  under  it,  but  fumigating  completely  de- 
stroys the  larvae.  In  our  opinion  this  turtle  insect  is 
no  other  than  the  old  female  of  the  brown  scaly  insect, 
which  swells  to  a  large  size  before  depositing  its  eggs. 
We  have  frequently  observed  the  insect  dead  in  this 
enlarged  state,  and  question  if  this  is  the  last  stage  of 
its  transmigration.  The  male  insect  is  winged,  and 
very  active  in  its  movements. 

OF  SHIFTING  PLANTS. 

At  this  period  of  the  season  very  little  is  required  to 
grow  Calceolarias  to  perfection.  They  require  a  few 
months  of  the  Hot-house,  and  if  the  directions  given 
last  month  were  followed  up,  some  of  these  will  have 


J3  HOT-HOUSE— SHIFTING  PLANTS.  [JANUARY. 

advanced  a  little  in  growth.  The  herbaceous  kinds, 
when  grown  about  one  inch  high,  ought  to  be  divided, 
and  put  into  four  inch  pots,  sprinkled  gently,  and  kept 
in  the  shade  until  they  begin  to  grow;  after  which,  keep 
them  near  the  glass,  to  prevent  them  from  becoming 
spindly  and  drawn.  Their  farther  treatment  will  be 
observed  as  they  require.  This  is  a  beautiful  genus  of 
plants,  flowering  very  profusely  all  summer,  and  some 
of  them  early  in  spring. 

AbtrcBmerias,  about  the  beginning  or  middle  of  the 
month,  will  have  made  their  appearance  above  ground. 
When  shot  about  one  inch,  turn  them  out,  and  carefully 
shake  them  clear  of  earth  ;  and  if  required,  divide  the 
crowns,  and  put  them  in  as  small  pots  as  possible, 
taking  care  not  to  break  any  of  the  strong  fleshy  roots. 
(For  Soil,  see  Table.)  To  flower  these  plants  well, 
they  require  to  be  frequently  shifted,  during  their  active 
stage  of  growth,  which  must  be  duly  observed.  The 
most  of  the  species  of  this  genus  will  more  than  repay 
the  attention,  by  their  abundantly  and  beautifully  spot- 
ted flowers,  A.  flosmartma,  A.  Pelegrina,  A.  pukhella, 
and  <A.  atropurpurea,  are  the  most  splendid.  The  former 
flowers  very  freely.  All  natives  of  South  America. 

Where  bulbous  roots,  such  as  Hyacinths,  Jonquils, 
Narcissus,  Ixias,  Lachendllas,  &c.  are  required  to  be 
early  in  flower,  they  may,  about  the  beginning  or  end 
of  the  month,  be  put  in  the  front  of  the  Hot-house, 
giving  very  little  water  until  they  begin  to  grow ;  then 
water  freely,  and  tie  up  the  flower  stems  as  they  ad- 
vance. 


JANUARY.]  HOT-HOUSE— CLEANSING  PLANTS,  HOUSE,  &c.  ]9 

OF  CLEANSING  PLANTS,  HOUSE,  &c. 

This  subject  ought  to  be  kept  constantly  in  view. 
However  correct  every  thing  may  be  executed,  with- 
out that  adorning  beauty,  cleanliness,  all  will  appear 
only  half  done.  Therefore  let  all  the  dead  leaves  be 
picked  off  every  day,  and  with  dust  and  other  litter 
swept  out  of  the  house,  and  when  necessary,  the 
house  washed,  which  will  be  at  least  once  a  week. 
That  the  foliage  of  the  plants  may  always  appear  fresh, 
syringe  them  in  the  evening,  twice  or  three  times  per 
week ;  (when  the  weather  is  very  cold,  do  it  in  the 
morning.)  At  present  this  will  in  a  great  measure  keep 
down  the  insects,  and  will  prove  a  bane  to  the  red 
spider. 

A  hand  engine  is  certainly  the  best.  Milne's  pa- 
tent hand  engine  surpasses  any  that  we  have  used. 
Nevertheless  a  hand  syringe  is  very  effectual.  Some 
of  these  engines  are  powerful,  throwing  the  water 
above  forty  feet.  Read's  patent  of  London  is  excellent. 
At  the  store  of  D.  &  C.Landreth,  Phila.,  there  is  a  very 
good  kind,  which  answers  admirably  in  small  houses. 
Tie  up  neatly  with  stakes,  and  threads  of  Russia  mat, 
all  the  straggling  growing  plants;  let  the  stakes  be  pro- 
portionate to  the  plants,  and  never  longer,  except  they 
are  climbing  sorts.  Do  not  tie  the  branches  in  bun- 
dles, but  singly  and  neatly,  imitating  nature  as  much  as 
possible.  If  any  of  the  plants  are  affected  with  the 
Cocus  insect,  let  them  be  cleaned  according  to  the  plan 
already  mentioned,  taking  particular  care  also  in  wash- 
ing the  stakes  to  which  they  had  been  previously  tied, 


20  GREEN-HOUSE.  [JANUARY. 

and  burning  all  the  old  tyings,  which  contain  the  larvae 
of  the  insect  in  many  instances,  especially  of  Cocus  hespe- 
ridus.  It  is  premised,  when  any  of  these  things  are 
done,  that  they  will  be  well  done,  and  not  half  doing, 
and  always  doing.  Cleanliness,  in  every  respect,  pro- 
motes a  pure  air,  which  is  congenial  to  vegetation,  and 
will,  with  other  attention,  always  ensure  a  healthful  and 
vigorous  appearance  in  the  house. 


JANUARY. 

This  compartment  requires  particular  attention,  in 
order  to  preserve  the  plants  in  good  health,  and  carry 
them  through  this  precarious  season  of  the  year.  A 
little  air  must  be  admitted  at  all  convenient  times.  An 
hour  or  two  at  mid-day  will  be  of  the  utmost  import- 
ance in  drying  up  damp,  and  clearing  off  stagnated  air, 
which  is  a  harbour  for  every  corruption.  The  top  sashes 
being  let  down,  or  turned  a  few  inches,  in  mild  days  (that 
is,  when  it  is  not  high  and  cutting  winds)  from  ten  or 
eleven  o'clock  to  two  or  three,  according  to  the  intensity 
of  the  frost,  will  renovate  the  interior  air  of  the  house, 
and  harden  the  plants.  When  the  weather  will  permit, 


JANUARY.]  GREEN-HOUSE- WATERING.  21 

let  the  front  sashes  be  opened  about  one  inch  or  more. 
An  assiduous,  experienced  hand  will  never  omit  an  op- 
portunity. 

With  regard  to  fire  heat,  the  temperature  must  be 
regulated  to  suit  the  nature  of  the  plants  in  a  general 
sense;  so  let  the  mercury,  or  spirits  of  wine,  of  Fahren- 
heit's thermometer,  be  from  34°  to  43° ;  if  it  begins  to 
fall,  give  a  little  fire  heat.  No  doubt  we'have  seen  the 
thermometer  much  lower  in  the  Green-house,  than  the 
above,  even  as  low  as  24°,  without  any  immediate  in- 
jury ;  but  it  was  in  an  extensive  collection,  where  the 
most  hardy  of  the  plants  were  selected  into  one  house. 
Many  boast  how  little  fire  they  give  their  Green- 
house, and  how  cold  it  is  kept,  not  observing  the  mise- 
rable state  of  their  plants, — inexperience  causing  them 
to  think,  that  the  least  fire  heat  will  make  them  grow, 
and  would  rather  look  on  naked  stems  than  healthy 
plants.  The  above  temperature  will  not,  in  exotics, 
cause  premature  vegetation,  but  will  cause  the  plants 
to  retain  the  foliage  requisite  to  vegetative  nature.  A 
high  temperature  is  not  necessary  for  the  generality  of 
Green-house  plants ;  on  the  contrary,  it  might  very 
much  injure  them. 

OF  WATERING. 

In  this  month  very  little  is  requisite,  and  must  be 
given  with  great  caution.  Few  plants  will  require  much, 
and  some  hardly  any ;  but  all  must  be  attended  to,  and 
have  their  wants  supplied.  Some  will  need  it  twice, 
some  once  a  week,  and  some  in  two  weeks,  according 


22  GREEN-HOUSE—CAMELLIA  JAPONICA.        [JANUARY. 

to  their  shrubby  and  woody  nature.  Herbaceous  and 
deciduous  plants  will  seldom  need  water.  Perhaps, 
from  the  throwing  of  the  foliage,  to  the  commencement 
of  vegetation,  three  or  four  times  will  be  sufficient. 
Particular  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  state  of 
health  and  of  growth,  in  which  the  plants  respectively 
are,  in  the  application  of  water ;  otherwise  much  mis- 
chief may  be  done,  and  many  entirely  ruined. 

Green-house  plants,  being  now  in  an  absolutely  in- 
active state,  require  little  more  water  than  merely  to 
keep  the  earth  about  their  roots  from  becoming  per- 
fectly dry,  by  occasionally  applying  a  very  small  quan- 
tity at  the  root ;  and,  if  done  with  a  watering  pot,  as 
described  under  this  head  in  the  Hot-house  of  this 
month,  very  little  will  be  spilt  in  the  house  to  increase 
dampness,  which,  if  it  does  appear,  by  any  of  the  leaves 
of  the  plants  becoming  musty,  they  must  be  instantly 
picked  off;  and,  if  it  increases,  give  a  little  fire  and  air. 
Succulent  plants  will  not  need  any  water  during  this 
month,  unless  omitted  in  December. 

CAMELLIA  JAPONICA. 

This  magnificent  and  attractive  flower,  with  all  its 
splendid  varieties,  will,  about  this  time,  begin  to  open 
its  beautiful  flowers.  But  for  this  admired  genus  of 
plants,  our  Green-houses,  at  this  season,  would  be  void 
of  allurement.  It  is,  in  this  country,  subject  to  mildew 
and  red  spider,  and  more  especially  in  the  city,  which 
appears  to  be  from  the  nature  of  the  air.  The  effects 
of  mildew  on  these  plants,  if  not  prevented,  would 


JANUARY.]  GREEN-HOUSE— CAMELLIA  JAPON1CA.  23 

prove  fatal ;  as,  from  appearance,  many  have  died  by 
it  in  our  city.  If  it  has  reached  a  great  extent,  the 
leaves  are  brownish,  having  the  appearance  of  being 
decayed,  or  scorched  with  the  sun.  In  taking  hold  of 
the  leaf,  it  feels  soft,  and  altogether  seems  to  have  lost 
its  nutritive  substance;  and,  when  the  young  foliage 
expands,  it  becomes  covered  with  dark  brown  spots, 
and  finally  very  much  disfigured;  and,  when  in  this 
state,  it  is  attacked  by  red  spider,  and,  ultimately, 
death  ensues. 

If  any  of  the  plants  are  affected  as  above  described, 
take  a  sponge,  and  wash  every  leaf  minutely  with  soft 
water,  and  syringe  them  with  water  three  or  four  times 
a  week,  which  will  clean  them.  All  the  young  foliage 
will  be  healthy,  and  that  which  has  been  affected  will 
fall  off.  However,  prevention  is  better  than  cure;  and 
if  the  Camellias  are  properly  syringed  every  evening 
during  summer,  and  once  or  twice  a  week  during  win- 
ter, they  will  never  be  subject  to  the  ravages  of  mildew 
or  of  red  spider. 

Tie  up  any  of  the  flowers  that  are  expanded  to 
stakes,  in  case  of  accident;  and,  in  syringing,  observe 
not  to  let  any  water  fall  on  the  flowers,  as  it  causes 
premature  decay,  and  change  of  colour. 

The  mildew  first  appears  like  small  particles  of  very 
fine  flour,  around  the  under  edge  of  the  leaves,  and 
visible  to  the  naked  eye;  so  that,  syringing,  spong- 
ing, &c.  under  the  leaf  is  most  requisite ;  but,  as  the 
mildew  extends,  both  sides  of  the  leaves  are  covered 
with  these  white  particles. 


24  GREEN-HOUSE—CAPE  BULBS,  &c.  [JANUARY. 

OF  ORANGES,  LEMONS,  &c. 

*       :-:V  **-,*    .:  $  *—    -'• 


As  there  will  perhaps  be  more  leisure  in  the 
house  this  month  than  in  any  other  during  the  winter, 
it  is  presumed  that  there  will  not  be  a  moment  lost. 
If  any  of  the  trees  are  infested  with  insects,  these, 
being  now  in  their  inactive  state,  may  be  more  easily 
destroyed  than  at  any  other  time.  It  is  the  brown 
scaly  insect  that  generally  infests  them.  For  treat- 
ment, see  Hothouse,  January.  The  plant,  or  tree,  after 
being  washed,  before  it  becomes  dry,  will  require  to  be 
syringed  with  water,  otherwise  the  dust  will  adhere  to 
the  glutinous  particles  of  the  soap.  Set  the  plant  in 
an  airy  situation  to  dry,  in  case  of  damp.  There  are 
several  others  subject  to  this  insect,  such  as  Myrtles, 
Oleas,  Oleanders,  &c.  which  treat  in  the  same  manner. 
Be  careful  that  these  trees  are  not  over  watered  ;  if 
the  soil  is  moist,  it  is  sufficient. 

OF  CAPE  BULBS,  &c. 

If  there  are  any  out  of  the  ground,  it  is  time  that  the 
whole  were  potted,  such  as  Lachendlia,  Wachendorfia, 
Eucomis,  Ixia,  Gladiolus,  with  several  others.  Keep 
them  in  the  shade  until  they  begin  to  grow;  then  put 
them  on  shelves  near  the  light.  Those  that  are  grow- 
ing must  be  kept  in  front  of  the  house,  to  prevent 
them  being  weak.  Wachendorfia  has  a  beautiful  large 
red  tuber  root  ;  and,  as  the  new  root  descends,  give  it 
a  pot  about  six  or  seven  inches. 


JANUARY.]  FLOWER  GARDEN.  25 

OF  HYACINTHS  AND  OTHER  BULBOUS  ROOTS. 

*v*V  .     " 

All  these  roots  must  be  carefully  examined.  In 
case  slugs  or  snails  are  preying  upon  the  embryo  of 
the  flower,  some  of  those  that  are  farthest  advanced, 
may  be  put  for  a  few  weeks  in  the  Hot-house.  It  will 
greatly  accelerate  their  flowering,  but  they  must  be 
brought  out  again  before  the  florets  expand,  and  care- 
fully tied  up,  leaving  room  for  the  increase  and  exten- 
sion of  the  flower  stem.  Give  them  plenty  of  water, 
and  if  saucers  can  be  placed  under  them  to  retain  it, 
it  will  be  of  advantage.  Change  the  water  every  week 
on  those  that  are  in  glasses,  and  keep  all  the  growing 
bulbs  near  the  light.  Narcissus,  Jonquils,  &c.  may  be 
similarly  treated. 


JANUARY. 

If  the  covering  of  the  beds  of  choice  bulbs,  herba- 
ceous plants,  or  tender  shrubs,  has  been  neglected  last 
month,  let  it  be  done  forthwith.  The  season  is  now 
precarious,  and  delays  are  dangerous.  For  particular 
directions,  see  December.  Any  bulbous  roots  that  have 
been  kept  out  of  the  ground,  should  be  planted  imme- 


26  FLOWER  GARDEN— OF  FRAMING,  &c.  [JANUARY. 

diately,  according  to  directions  in  October.  Some 
writers  have  recommended  keeping  some*  of  the  bulbs 
until  this  month,  in  order  to  have  a  continued  succes- 
sion. Experience  will  prove  the  inefficacy  of  the 
plan,  and  will  satisfactorily  show  that  the  difference  is 
almost  imperceptible,  while  the  flowers  are  very  infe- 
rior and  much  degenerated  ;  and  in  place  of  having  "  a 
long  continued  succession  of  bloom,"  there  appear, 
along  with  your  finest  specimens,  very  imperfect 
flowers,  calculated  to  discourage  the  admirers  of  these 
"  gaudy"  decoratives  of  our  flower  gardens.  Whereas 
every  art  employed  should  be  to  the  advancement  and 
perfection  of  nature. 

OF  FRAMING,  &c. 

The  plants  and  roots  that  are  in  frames,  should  be 
protected  with  straw  mats,  and  the  frame  surrounded 
with  litter,  or  leaves,  or  what  is  more  advisable,  bank- 
ed with  earth — the  former  being  a  harbour  for  mice 
and  other  vermin.  For  full  directions,  see  December. 
Under  this  head  the  plants,  such  as  Auriculas,  Polyan- 
thus, Daisies,  Carnations,  Pinks,  Gentianellas,  Campanula 
pyramidalis,  Double  rocket,  Double  stock,  or  Stockgillys, 
Double  Wall-flower,  Jlnemone,  Ranunculus,  &c.  as  pre- 
viously enumerated  as  frame  plants,  will  require  very 
little  water,  and  be  sure  to  give  none  while  they  are  in 
a  frozen  state.  If  snow  should  cover  them,  the  plants 
will  keep  in  a  fine  state  under  it,  so  never  remove  snow 
from  covering  cold  frames,  even  suppose  it  should  lay 
for  months, — nature  will  operate  here  herself. 


JANUARY.]  FLOWER  GARDEN—OF  PRUNING,  &c.  27 

All  the  above  plants  except  Anemone  and  Ranunculus 
are  kept  in  perfection  in  the  Green-house;  but  where 
neither  this  nor  framing  can  be  obtained,  they  will,  in 
most  winters,  keep  tolerably,  if  well  covered  with  litter 
— the  roughest  from  the  stable,  straw  or  hay,  or  such 
like,  using  means  to  secure  it  from  being  blown  over 
the  whole  garden. 


OF  PRUNING  AND  PREPARING  FOR  SPRING. 

It  is  not  advisable  to  carry  on  a  general  pruning  in 
this  month,  in  whatever  state  the  weather  may  be. 
The  severest  frosts  generally  are  yet  to  come,  and 
too  frequently  in  this  operation,  what  is  done  now  has 
to  be  repeated  on  the  opening  of  spring,  causing  at 
that  time  work  to  a  disadvantage ;  because,  if  pruning, 
when  done  just  now,  is  accomplished  judiciously, 
whatever  more  on  the  same  bush  is  requisite  to  be 
done  in  spring,  from  the  effects  of  frost,  will  be  in- 
judicious. Hence  it  is  far  preferable  to  delay  it  until 
the  frost  is  over,  when  all  can  be  done  to  advantage. 

There  are,  undoubtedly,  some  shrubs  that  may  be 
pruned  any  time,  from  the  end  of  November  to  the  first 
of  March,  such  as  Hibiscus  synacus  (Jllthea),  and  all  its 
varieties,  except  the  Double  White,  which  is  in  some 
instances  entirely  killed  by  our  severe  winter,  and  cer- 
tainly, for  precaution,  would  be  the  better  of  some  sim- 
ple protection. 

In  many  seasons,  the  beginning  of  this  month  is 
open,  and  admits  of  the  operation  of  digging,  which  if 
it  is  not  all  done  as  advised  last  month,  ought  not  to 


•   • 
>'  v']»« 


+  *  28  ROOMS.  [JANUARY. 

be  delayed.    The  fruits  of  it  will  appear  in  the  mellow- 
ed state  of  your  soil  in  spring. 

If  there  is  any  spare  time,  straight  sticks  or  stakes 
may  be  prepared  for  summer.  Tie  them  up  in  neat 
bundles,  which  will  be  of  great  service  during  the 
hurried  period  of  the  year.  An  opportunity  of  this  kind 
should  always  be  laid  hold  of;  the  beneficial  results  will 
in  season  be  displayed. 


JANUARY. 

Plants  that  are  kept  in  rooms  generally  are  such  as 
require  a  medium  temperature,  say  40°.  Sitting  rooms 
or  parlours,  about  this  season,  are,  for  the  most  part, 
heated  from  55°  to  65°,  and  very  seldom  has  the  air  any  ad- 
mittance into  these  apartments,  thus  keeping  the  tempe- 
rature from  1 5°  to  25°  higher  than  the  nature  of  the  plants 
requires,  and  excluding  that  fresh  air  which  is  requisite 
to  support  a  forced  vegetative  principle.  Therefore, 
as  far  as  practicable,  let  the  plants  be  kept  in  a  room 
adjoining  to  one  where  there  is  fire  heat,  and  the  inter- 
vening door  can  be  opened  when  desirable.  They  will 
admit  sometimes  of  being  as  low  as  33°. 

If  they  be  constantly  kept  where  there  is  fire,  let  the 


JANUARY.]  ROOMS—  WATERING,  &c.  29 

window  be  opened  some  inches,  two  or  three  times  a 
day,  for  a  few  minutes,  thereby  making  the  air  of  the 
apartment  more  congenial,  both  for  animal  and  vege- 
table nature. 


WATERING,  &c. 

f 

There  are  very  few  plants  killed  for  want  of*  water, 
during  winter.  All  that  is  necessary  is  merely  to  keep 
the  soil  in  a  moist  state,  that  is,  do  not  let  it  get  so  dry 
that  you  can  divide  the  particles  of  earth,  nor  so  wet 
that  they  could  be  beat  to  clay.  The  frequency  of 
watering  can  be  best  regulated  by  the  person  doing  it, 
as  it  depends  entirely  upon  the  size  of  the  pot  or  jar  in 
proportion  to  the  plant,  whether  it  is  too  little  or  too 
large,  and  the  situation  it  stands  in,  whether  moist  or 
arid.  Never  allow  any  quantity  of  water  to  stand  in 
the  flats  or  saucers.  This  is  too  frequently  practised 
with  plants  in  general.  Such  as  Cdlla  JEthibpica,  or  Afri- 
can Lily,  will  do  well,  as  water  is  its  element,  (like 
Sogittdria  in  this  country  ;)  and  the  Hydrangea  hortensis, 
when  in  a  growing  state,  will  do  admirably  under  such 
treatment.  Many  plants  may  do  well  for  some 
time,  but  it  being  so  contrary  to  their  nature,  causes 
premature  decay  ;  a  fo3tid  stagnation  takes  place  at  the 
root,  the  foliage  becomes  yellow,  and  the  plant  stunted  ; 
and  in  the  winter  season,  death  will  ensue. 

OF  CAMELLIA  JAPON1CA. 

In  rooms  the  buds  of  Camellias  will  be  well  swelled, 


30  ROOMS— OF  INSECTS,  &c.  [JANUARY. 

and  on  the  Double  White  and  Double  Variegated  sorts, 
perhaps  they  will  be  full  blown.  While  in  that  state 
the  temperature  should  not  be  below  34° ;  if  lower  they 
will  not  expand  so  well,  and  the  expanded  petals  will 
soon  become  yellow  and  decay.  If  they  are  where 
there  is  fire  heat,  they  must  have  plenty  of  air  admitted 
to  them  every  favourable  opportunity,  or  the  conse- 
quence* will  be,  that  all  the  buds  will  turn  dark  brown, 
and  fall  off.  It  is  generally  the  case,  in  the  treatment 
of  these  beautiful  plants  in  rooms,  that  through  too 
much  intended  care  they  are  entirely  destroyed.  In  the 
city,  they  do  not  agree  with  confined  air,  and  they 
cannot  get  too  much  of  pure  air,  if  they  are  kept  from 
frost  or  cutting  winds.  To  sponge  frequently  will 
greatly  promote  the  health  of  the  plants,  and  add  to 
the  beauty  of  their  foliage,  as  it  prevents  the  attacks  of 
mildew.  In  this  season  they  do  not  require  much 
water  at  root,  which  may  be  observed  in  the  slight  ab- 
sorption by  the  soil.  See  this  subject  under  the  head 
of  Watering. 

When  the  flowers  are  expanded,  and  droop,  tie  them 
up  neatly,  so  that  the  flower  may  be  shown  to  every 
advantage. 

OF  INSECTS,  &c. 

Insects  of  various  kinds  will  be  appearing  on  your 
plants.  For  method  of  destruction  see  Hot-house, 
January.  It  will  not  be  agreeable  to  fumigate  the 
room  or  rooms,  or  even  to  have  the  smell  of  tobacco 
near  the  house  from  this  cause. 


JANUARY.]  ROOMS— OF  BULBOUS  ROOTS.  3j 

Many  ingredients  have  been  compounded,  and  pre- 
scriptions recommended,  for  the  destruction  of  these 
nefarious  pests.  Many  of  them  are  altogether  ineffec- 
tual. Of  receipts  specified  in  works  of  this  kind,  not  a 
few  of  them  (though  eagerly  sought  for)  by  men  of  ex- 
tensive practice,  have  been  rejected.  We  shall  give 
the  most  simple,  and  in  part  effective  receipt  for  the 
destruction  of  the  Green  fly. 

Take  a  large  tub  of  soft  water,  (if  the  day  is  frosty,  it 
had  better  be  done  in  the  house,)  invert  the  plant,  hold- 
ing the  hand,  or  tying  a  piece  of  cloth,  or  any  thing  of 
the  kind,  over  the  soil  in  the  pot,  put  all  the  branches 
in  the  water,  keeping  the  pot  in  the  hand,  drawing  it 
to  and  fro  a  few  times;  take  it  out,  and  shake  it.  If  any 
insects  remain,  take  a  small  fine  brush,  and  brush  them 
off,  giving  another  dip,  which  will  clean  them  for  the 
present.  As  soon  as  they  appear  again,  repeat  the 
process — for  nothing  that  we  have  found  out,  or  heard 
of,  can  totally  extirpate  them. 

OF  BULBOUS  ROOTS  IN  GENERAL. 

If  you  have  retained  any  of  the  Cape  bulbs  from  the 
last  planting,  let  them  be  put  in,  in  the  early  part  of  the 
month.  For  method,  see  September.  Those  that  are 
growing  must  be  kept  very  near  the  light,  that  is,  close 
to  the  window,  or  they  will  not  flourish  to  your  satis- 
faction. The  fall-flowering  oxalis  may  be  kept  on  the 
stage,  or  any  other  place,  to  give  room  to  those  that 
are  to  flower. 

Hyacinths,  Jonquils,  Narcissus,    Tulips,  &c.  will  keep 


32  ROOMS— OF  BULBOUS  ROOTS,  &c.  [JANUARY. 

very  well  in  a  room  where  fire  heat  is  constantly  kept, 
providing  that  they  are  close  to  the  window.  A  suc- 
cession of  these,  as  before  observed,  may  beautify  the 
drawing  room  from  February  to  April,  by  having  a  re- 
served stock,  in  a  cold  situation,  and  taking  a  few  of 
them  every  week  into  the  warmest  apartment. 

Wherever  any  of  the  bulbs  are  growing,  and  in  the  in- 
terior of  the  room,  remove  them  close  to  the  light,  ob- 
serving to  turn  the  pots  or  glasses  frequently  to  prevent 
them  from  growing  to  one  side,  and  giving  them  sup- 
port as  soon  as  the  stems  droop,  or  the  head  becomes 
pendant.  The  saucers  under  the  Hyacinth  and  Nar- 
cissus especially  may  stand  with  water,  and  observe  to 
change  the  water  in  the  glasses,  as  already  mention- 
ed. 

Every  one  that  has  any  taste  or  refinement  in  their 
floral  undertakings,  will  delight  in  seeing  the  plants  in 
perfection ;  to  have  them  so,  they  must  be  divested  of 
every  leaf  that  has  the  appearance  of  decaying — let  this 
always  be  attended  to. 


33 


FEBRUARY. 

IN  the  early  part  of  this  month  the  weather  generally 
is  very  cold  and  changeable  in  the  middle  states,  and 
strict  attention,  with  the  greatest  caution,  will  require  to 
be  paid  to  the  management  of  the  Hot-house.  Most  of 
the  tropical  plants  commence  an  active  state  of  vegeta- 
tion; and  if  checked  by  temperature  or  otherwise,  they 
will  not  recover  until  midsummer.  The  thermometer 
may  be  kept  two  or  three  degrees  higher  with  fire 
heat  than  last  month ;  the  sun  will  be  more  powerful, 
and  this  will,  in  a  great  degree,  increase  the  vigour  of 
the  plants.  Air  may  be  admitted  when  the  ther- 
mometer rises  to  75°  or  80°,  not  allowing  it  to  rise 
higher  than  the  latter.  In  giving  air,  let  it  be  done  by 
the  top  sashes.  It  is  improper  to  give  it  in  any  way  to 
cause  a  current,  for  the  external  air  is  very  cold,  al- 
though the  sun  is  more  powerful.  An  inch  or  two  on 
a  few  of  the  sashes,  as  has  been  previously  observed, 
will  be  effectual  in  keeping  the  temperature  low  enough, 
except  the  weather  is  very  mild. 

With  regard  to  firing,  what  was  said  last  month  may 
suffice  for  this.  Always  recollect  that  it  is  preferable 
to  keep  out  the  cold  than  to  put  it  out.  It  will  fre- 
quently happen  in  the  time  of  intense  frost,  that  the 


34  HOT-HOUSE— OF  INSECTS,  &c.  [FEBRUARY. 

weather  is  dull.  In  such  cases  fire  in  a  small  degree 
is  requisite  all  day. 

Heavy  snows  ought  never  to  be  allowed  to  remain 
on  the  shutters  while  they  are  on  the  house.  If  the 
snow  lies  on  the  sashes  one  day,  the  internal  heat  will 
dissolve  some  of  it ;  night  coming  on  will  freeze  it  to 
the  wood  work,  when  it  will  become  a  solid  mass,  and 
too  frequently  cannot  be  separated  without  much  dam- 
age. If  allowed  to  remain  on  for  two  days,  the  plants 
are  very  much  weakened,  and  the  foliage  discoloured. 
Therefore  let  the  snow  be  cleared  off  instantly,  that 
no  inconvenience  may  take  place. 

It  will  be  observed  that  plants  absorb  more  water 
this  month  than  last.  The  quantity  given  will  require 
to  be  increased,  according  to  the  increase  of  vegetation 
and  the  advancement  of  the  season ;  but  never  give 
it  until  the  soil  begins  to  get  dry,  and  then  in  such  pro- 
portion as  will  reach  the  bottom  of  the  pot.  After  the 
sun  has  got  on  the  house  in  the  morning  is  the  best 
time  to  water,  observing  all  the  directions  given  in 
January. 

OF  INSECTS,  &,c. 

Perhaps  sufficient  observations  were  given  under 
this  head  last  month  ;  but  the  importance  of  keeping 
these  disagreeable  visitors  out  of  the  house,  constrains 
us  to  make  a  few  more  remarks,  and  perhaps  it  may 
be  necessary  every  month.  Man  cannot  be  too  fre- 
quently guarded  against  his  foes,  more  especially  when 


FEBRUARY.]  HOT-HOUSE— SHIFTING  PLANTS.  35 

they  are  summoning  all  their  forces,  and  no  profession 
has  more  than  that  of  the  Horticulturist.  Let  a  strict 
examination  be  made  about  the  end  of  the  month 
for  the  Red  spider;  they  will  be  in  operation  some  weeks 
before  their  depredations  are  observed  on  the  foliage. 
The  under  side  of  the  leaf  is  their  resort  in  the  first  in- 
stance, and  on  such  plants  as  have  been  already  men- 
tioned. 

Observe  daily  the  young  shoots,  in  case  the  Green  fly 
becomes  numerous.  They  give  the  foliage  a  very  dis- 
agreeable appearance,  and  with  most  people  it  is  intole- 
rable, before  their  career  is  arrested.  It  also  takes  a 
stronger  fumigation,  which  has  frequently  to  be  repeat- 
ed the  following  day  to  J;he  same  degree,  much  to  the 
injury  of  many  of  the  plants,  and  adding  to  the  disa- 
greeableness  of  the  continued  vapour  in  the  house. 

OF  SHIFTING  PLANTS. 

The  Calceolarias  that  were  put  in  small  pots  about 
the  beginning  or  middle  of  last  month,  will,  if  they 
have  done  well,  require,  about  the  end  of  this,  to  be 
put  in  pots  a  size  larger. 

If  any  of  Lilium  longiflorum,  Specibsum,  or  Japonicum, 
are  wanted  to  flower  early,  and  were  put  in  the  Hot- 
house in  December,  without  dividing,  those  that  are  to 
flower  will  have  pushed  their  flower  stems,  and  can  be 
separated  from  those  that  will  not  flower,  and  put 
singly  into  pots ;  the  two  former  into  five  or  six  inch 
pots,  while  the  latter  require  six  or  seven  inch  pots. 


*v    V. 


36  HOT-HOUSE— SHIFTING  PLANTS.  [FEBRUARY. 

Of  those  that  do  not  flower,  three  or  four  can  be  put 
into  one  pot. 

About  the  end  of  the  month,  some  of  the  plants  of 
Eurcuma,  Jlmomum,  KcBmpferia,  Globba,  Phrynium,  Can- 
na,  Zingiber,  Hedychium,  and  others  that  are  on  the  dry 
shelf,  will  be  offering  to  grow.  Let  them  be  taken  out 
of  their  pots,  some  of  their  weakest  shoots  or  tubers 
taken  off,  and  the  strong  ones  repotted :  give  gentle 
waterings  until  they  grow  freely,  then  give  an  abun- 
dance. 

Dioncea  mucipuk,  or  Venus  fly  trap,  grows  best  in  the|f 
Hot-house,  and  will,  about  the  end  of  the  month,  stand 
in  need  of  being  repotted.  This  plant  is  very  seldom 
grown  in  any  degree  of  perfectipn,  having  been  always 
considered  a  delicate  plant  in  collections.  The  opera- 
tor has  never  had  courage  to  treat  it  according  to  its 
nature  in  a  cultivated  state.  If  it  is  taken  out  of  the 
pot,  just  when  beginning  to  grow  afresh,  and  divested 
of  all  the  soil,  leaving  only  a  few  of  the  young  roots, 
(it  is  a  bulb,  and  will  receive  no  injury  by  so  doing,) 
put  it  in  new  soil ;  when  potted,  place  the  pot  in  a  sau- 
cer with  one  inch  of  water  in  it,  giving  always  a  fresh 
supply,  when  necessary.  A  shady  and  moist  situation 
is  best  adapted  to  it ;  this  being  repeated  every  year, 
it  will  grow,  flower,  and  seed  in  perfection. 

Gesnerias,  if  in  small  pots,  give  larger  as  they  ad- 
vance in  growth.  This  genus  requires  to  be  well 
attended  to  make  them  flower  well.  G.  bulbosa  ought 
to  have  a  situation  in  every  Hot-house.  It  is  remark- 
able for  its  many  brilliant  crimson  flowers,  and  conti- 
nues in  flower  for  a  length  of  time.  When  the  bulb 


FEBRUARY.]          HOT-HOUSE— CLEANSING  PLANTS,  &c.  37 

begins  to  push,  shake  it  out  of  the  earth,  putting  it  into 
a  small  pot;  and,  as  soon  as  the  roots  reach  the  side 
of  the  earth,  which  will  be  in  about  one  month,  put  it 
in  a  larger  pot,  and  continue  to  do  so  until  flowering, 
which  will  be  about  the  first  of  June,  observing  always 
to  keep  the  ball  of  earth  entire. 

Gloriosas  must  be  repotted  in  the  beginning  of  this 
month.  Etymologists  have  said  that  this  genus  is 
named  from  the  glorious  appearance  of  its  flowers. 
G.  superba  is  the  most  beautiful  and  curious.  The 
roots  ought  to  be  planted  one  and  a  half  inch  deep, 
taking  care  not  to  break  them ;  if  there  is  a  bark  bed, 
place  the  pots  in  it.  Do  not  water  much  until  they 
begin  to  grow.  Where  there  is  no  bark  bed,  put  the 
pots  into  others  three  inches  larger,  filling  all  round 
with  sand,  and  place  them  in  the  warmest  part  of  the 
house.  Keep  the  sand  moist,  which  will  assist  to  keep 
the  soil  in  a  moist  state.  The  earth  must  not  have 
much  water.  As  the  plants  grow,  they  will  require  a 
more  liberal  supply ;  yet  it  is  necessary,  at  all  times,  to 
be  moderate  in  giving  it.  If  well  treated,  the  superb 
flowers  will  appear  in  June  or  July. 

• 

*   OF  CLEANSING  PLANTS,  HOUSE,  &c. 

With  regard  to  cleaning  the  plants.  Sprinklingi  or 
syringing,  is  at  all  times,  to  a  greater  or  less  degree, 
necessary.  The  plants  will,  in  this  compartment,  be  in 
their  first  stage  of  growth,  and,  if  dust  or  foulness  be 
permitted  to  lodge  on  their  foliage,  the  pores  will  be 


38  GREEN-HOUSE.  [FEBRUARY. 

obstructed,  the  plants  will  become  unhealthy,  and  the 
growth  of  insects  increased. 

Let  all  moss,  litter,  decayed  leaves,  or  weeds,  be 
cleared  out  of  the  house,  the  earth  in  the  pots  stirred 
up  with  a  round  pointed  stick,  and  fresh  earth  given 
where  required,  that  the  air  may  operate  therein  freely. 

The  house  ought  always  to  be  sprinkled  before 
being  swept,  to  prevent  the  dust  rising. 

Attend  to  the  bulbous  roots  as  directed  last  month, 
such  as  Hyacinths,  Narcissus,  &c. 


FEBRUARY. 

The  directions  given  last  month  respecting  the  air* 
ing  and  temperature  of  the  house,  may  still  be  followed, 
differing  only  in  admitting  air  more  freely  as  the  season 
advances,  and  according  to  the  power  the  sun  has  on 
the  glass,  which  now  begins  to  be  considerable. 

If  the  weather  is  tolerably  mild,  air  may  be  admitted 
in  time  of  sunshine,  so  as  to  keep  the  mercury  as  low 
as  45°,  but  be  cautious  in  cold,  cloudy,  frosty  weather. 
It  is  a  practice  with  many  in  such  weather  to  keep  the 
shutters  on  the  house  night  and  day,  for  the  space  of  a 
week,  and  sometimes  more,  never  entering  it;  and, 


FEBRUARY.]  GREEN-HOUSE—ORANGES,  &c.  39 

when  the  weather  has  induced  them  to  look  in,  they 
find  that  the  frost  and  damp  have  made  many  lifeless 
subjects ;  whereas,  had  the  house  and  plants  been  at- 
tended to,  in  taking  off  the  shutters,  and  giving  a  little 
fire  when  requisite,  all  would  have  been  in  safety,  and 
many  that  cannot  be  replaced  still  in  the  collection. 

When  watering,  strictly  adhere  to  the  directions  of 
last  month,  except  with  Geraniums,  arid  other  soft 
wooded  plants,  which  require  a  little  more  water 
toward  the  end  of  the  month.  If  the  days  are  mild 
and  sunny  about  eight  or  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
all  the  plants  would  be  benefited  by  a  gentle  syringing, 
which  retards  the  progress  of  insects,  and  accelerates 
vegetation. 

Succulents,  such  as  Cactus,  Mesembryanthemum,  Jlloes, 
Furchraas,  Crdssulas,  Cotyledons,  &c.  will  very  seldom 
need  water,  at  the  same  time  keep  them  from  getting 
as  dry  as  powder. 

OF  ORANGES,  LEMONS,  &c. 

Similar  treatment  to  that  recommended  last  month 
will  do  for  this.  Where  the  soil  in  the  tubs  or  pots 
requires  to  be  enriched,  take  of  bone  dust  or  shavings, 
and  fresh  sheep  dung,  equal  quantities ;  put  the  mixture 
into  a  large  tub  or  barrel,  until  one  third  full ;  and  fill 
it  up  with  water.  Stir  it  well  two  or  three  times  every 
day  for  a  week,  then  give  each  tree  one  good  watering 
with  the  compound.  Continue  to  mix  up  afresh,  and 
let  it  stand  another  week,  and  so  on  until  all  the  trees 


40  GREEN-HOUSE— CAPE  BULBS,  &o.  [FEBRUARY. 

** 

requiring  it  are  watered.     This  watering  will  greatly 
enrich  the  soil,  and  invigorate  the  roots. 


OF  CAPE  BULBS,  &c. 

The  bulbs  of  Ferrdria  undulata  and  F.  antherosa,  that 
were  taken  out  of  the  pots  in  October,  will  now  require 
to  be  planted.  Five  inch  pots  will  be  large  enough 
for  good  roots.  The  grand  criterion  for  planting  bulbs 
is  when  there  is  a  protuberant  appearance  about  the 
bottom,  or  root  part  of  the  bulb,  showing,  by  a  princi- 
ple of  nature,  the  true  time  for  transplanting.  When 
bulbous  roots  of  any  description  appear  above  ground, 
they  ought  to  be  placed  in  an  airy  situation.  They 
are  very  frequently  placed  under  other  plants,  by  the 
inexperienced,  until  they  show  their  flowers,  and  then 
brought  to  the  light,  having  weak  flowers,  and  com- 
paratively of  momentary  existence. 

Hyacinths,  Narcissus,  Gladiolus,  Ixia,  &c.  having  flower 
stems,  ought  to  have  support,  to  prevent  accident,  es- 
pecially the  two  former ;  keep  them  nigh  the  glass,  and 
water  freely.  Change  the  water  regularly  in  the  bulb 
glasses,  observing  that  their  roots  are  never  allowed 
to  become  matted  with  foetid  water.  Any  of  the  above 
plants  that  are  in  flower,  might,  if  desired,  be  taken 
into  the  drawing  room  or  parlour,  washing  the  pots 
clean,  and  putting  saucers  under  them,  keeping  therein 
a  little  water.  Twice  a  week  the  decayed  ones  can 
be  taken  out,  and  supplanted  with  those  that  are  com- 
ing into  bloom. 


FEBRUARY.]  GREEN-HOUSE -OF  SHIFTING,  &c.  41 

CAMELLIA  JAPONICA 

' 
;*f     •  '    <v  • 

Will,  in  this  month,  show  a  profusion  of  flowers; 
and,  where  there  is  a  variety,  they  have  truly  a  magni- 
ficent appearance.  From  a  good  selection,  endless 
varieties,  by  seed,  of  exquisite  beauty,  might  be  obtained 
by  attention  to  the  following  rule.  The  best  to  select 
for  bearing  seed  are  Single  white,  Aloniana,  Grandiflora, 
Waratah,  Carnation  Waratah,  Fulgens,  and,  in  many '  in- 
stances, the  pistil,  or  pistillum  of  Variegata,  Pompone, 
Pteoniflora,  and  Intermedia,  are  perfect,  with  several  others. 
When  any  of  the  above  are  newly  expanded,  (  Waratah  is 
most  perfect  about  one  day  before  expansion,)  take  a 
fine  camel  hair  pencil,  and  put  it  gently  on  the  farina 
or  pollen,  which  is  a  yellow  substance  on  the  anthers, 
and,  when  ripe,  appears  in  thousands  of  small  particles. 
Take  the  finest  double  kinds,  then,  with  this  on  the 
pencil,  rub  lightly  the  stile  of  those  intended  to  carry 
seed.  Between  the  hours  often  and  twelve  in  the  fore- 
noon, is  the  most  proper  time  for  the  operation ;  the 
seed  will  be  ripe  in  September  or  October,  which  will 
be  taken  notice  of,  and  directions  given.  For  other 
particulars  on  cleaning  and  syringing,  see  January 
under  this  head. 


OF  SHIFTING  &c. 

The  best  time  to  repot  Camellias,  is  just  when  they 

are  done  flowering,  which  will  be  before  they  begin  to 

grow.     There  are,  though  not  frequently,  some  flowers 

after  the  young  foliage  begins  to  appear,  and  probably 

6 


42  GREEN-HOUSE— OF  SHIFTING,  &c.  FEBRUARY]. 

it  would  be  better  to  discriminate  the  time  by  the  buds 
offering  to  push,  which  will  answer  to  those  that  have 
no  flowers,  as  well  as  those  that  have.  The  most 
general  time  in  shifting  Camellias  is  in  August  and  Sep- 
tember, indiscriminately  with  other  plants ;  and,  if  then 
not  very  gently  handled,  bad  roots  eventually  are  pro- 
duced. Frequently  very  fine  plants  have  been  killed 
by  probing,  and  breaking  the  young  fibrous  roots,  thus 
causing  mortification. 

In  the  process,  do  not,  by  any  means,  break,  or  bruise 
any  of  the  roots :  and  do  not  give  large  pots,  with  the 
idea  of  making  them  grow  fast:  it  acts  on  most  plants 
diametrically  opposite  to  what  is  intended.  A  pot 
one  or  one  and  a  half  inches  wider  and  deeper  than 
the  one  they  have  been  in  previously,  is  sufficient. 
Healthy  plants  under  five  feet  will  not  require  shifting 
oftener  than  once  in  two  years ;  from  five  feet  upwards 
in  three  or  four  years,  according  to  the  health  of  the 
plants.  This  treatment,  in  the  opinion  of  some,  will 
appear  not  sufficient :  it  will  be  found  enough  with  a  top- 
dressing  every  year  to  keep  them  in  a  healthy,  flowering 
condition,  the  soil  being  according  to  our  description. 

On  turning  the  plant  out  of  the  pot,  it  may  easily 
be  observed  if  the  soil  has,  in  any  degree,  been  con- 
genial to  it ;  for  if  so,  the  roots  will  be  growing  all  round 
the  ball;  if  otherwise,  no  roots  will  appear. 

Therefore,  with  a  blunt  pointed  stick,  probe  away  all 
the  bad  earth,  until  you  come  to  the  roots ;  then  put 
the  plant  in  the  pot  about  one  inch  in  diameter,  larger 
than  the  combined  roots,  previously  putting  a  few  small 


FEBRUARY.]        FLOWER-GARDEN— OF  CLEANING,  &c.  43 

pieces  of  broken  pots,  or  clean  gravel,  to  drain  off  the 
superabundant  moisture,  and  give  light  waterings,  as 
the  roots  in  this  case  will  grow  but  slowly. 

Top  dress  all  that  requires  shifting,  probe  out  the 
soil  down  to  the  roots,  and  by  the  side  of  the  pot, 
taking  care  not  to  break  the  fibres ;  then  fill  up  with 
fresh  earth,  watering  gently  with  a  rose  on  the  watering 
pot  to  settle  it. 


OF  CLEANING,  &c. 

If  any  of  the  plants  require  cleaning,  either  by  fumi- 
gation or  otherwise,  let  it  be  done  before  the  young 
foliage  appears,  according  to  directions  heretofore 
given.  Likewise  tie  neatly  all  that  require  it,  clean 
and  top  dress  those  that  will  not  be  shifted,  having 
every  plant  and  all  in  the  Green-house,  in  perfect  order, 
before  the  throng  of  spring  commences.  The  weather 
will  now  admit,  in  very  fine  mornings,  of  the  plants 
being  syringed,  which  may  be  done  between  half  past 
seven  and  half  past  eight :  and  the  path  or  pavement 
should  be  washed  out  once  a  week,  which  is  a  great 
improvement  to  the  appearance  of  the  whole  interior. 

In  winter  whenever  any  glass  is  broken  it  should  be  im- 
mediately mended.  Broken  glass  in  cold  nights  causes 
a  very  destructive  current  of  air.  It  should  always  be 
made  water  tight,  for  if  the  drops  fall  into  the  pots  upon 
the  roots,  they  will  frequently  prove  fatal  to  the  plants  ; 
therefore  care  ought  to  be  taken  during  rain  to  remove 
those  that  stand  in  any  manner  exposed. 


44 


JFlOttttt: 


FEBRUARY. 

Where  the  borders  and  beds  were  dug  in  the  fall, 
and  compost  or  a  thin  coating  of  well  decayed  manure 
given,  the  advantage  will  now  in  part  be  experienced. 
If  the  weather  is  open  about  the  end  of  the  month,  the 
pruning  should  be  done  with  the  utmost  despatch ;  that 
all  may  be  prepared  for  a  general  dressing  next  month, 
and  let  nothing  be  delayed  which  can  now  properly  be 
accomplished,  under  the  idea  that  there  is  time  enough. 

OF  PRUNING,  &c. 

Generally  about  the  end  of  the  month  the  very  se- 
vere frosts  are  over;  and  when  none  need  be  appre- 
hended that  would  materially  injure  hardy  shrubs, 
they  may  freely  be  pruned  of  all  dead  branches,  and 
the  points  cut  off  such  shoots  as  have  been  damaged 
by  the  winter.  Most  of  shrubs  require  nothing  more 
than  to  be  pruned  of  straggling,  irregular,  and  injured 
branches,  or  of  suckers  that  rise  round  the  root,  ob- 
serving that  they  do  not  intermingle  with  each  other. 
Never  trim  them  up  in  a  formal  manner.  Regular 
shearing  of  shrubs  and  topiary  work  have  been  expell- 
ed as  unworthy  of  a  taste  the  least  improved  by  re- 
flections on  the  beauty,  simplicity,  and  grandeur  of 


FEBRUARY.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— OF  PRUNING,  &c.  45 

nature.  In  fact,  the  pruning  of  deciduous  hardy  shrubs 
should  be  done  in  such  a  manner  as  not  to  be  observa- 
ble when  the  plants  are  covered  with  verdure.  It  may 
frequently  be  observed  in  Flower-gardens,  that  roses 
and  shrubs  of  every  description  are  indiscriminately 
cut  with  the  shears,  the  dmorphas  and  Altheas  sharing 
the  same  fate. 

Robinias,  Coluteas,  Cyticus,  Rhus,  Genistas,  with  several 
of  the  Viburnums,  and  many  others,  bear  their  flowers 
on  the  wood  of  last  year,  and  when  thus  sheared 
afford  no  gratification  in  flowering.  And  those  shrubs 
that  thus  flower  on  the  shoots  of  last  year  are  perhaps 
worse  to  keep  in  regular  order,  than  those  to  which 
the  knife  can  be  freely  applied ;  but  good  management 
while  young  will  ensure  handsome  free  flowering 
plants. 

Climbing  shrubs,  and  others  that  are  trained  against 
outbuildings,  walls,  or  such  as  are  sheltered  thereby, 
and  not  now  in  danger  of  suffering  by  frost,  may  be 
pruned  and  dressed.  These  should  be  neatly  trimmed, 
and  the  branches  moderately  thinned  out,  tying  in  all 
the  shoots  straight  and  regular.  Avoid  at  all  times,  if 
possible,  the  crossing  of  any  shoots. 

There  is  not  a  shrub  in  the  garden  that  agrees  so 
well  with  close  cutting,  as  the  Althea,  and  all  its  va- 
rieties. These  can  be  made  either  bushes  or  trees, 
and  kept  at  any  desired  height.  Where  the  wood  of 
last  year  is  cut  to  about  two  or  three  inches  from  the 
wood  of  the  former  year,  the  young  shoots  of  this  year 
will  produce  the  largest  and  finest  flowers,  and  likewise 
more  profusely.  When  they  have  attained  the  desired 


46  FLOWER-GARDEN— OF  PRUNING,  &c.  [FEBRUARY. 

height,  let  them  be  kept  in  the  most  natural  and  hand- 
some shape  that  the  taste  of  the  operator  can  suggest. 
They  will  bear  cutting  to  any  degree. 

Honeysuckles  of  every  description  may  with  all  free- 
dom be  trimmed,  providing  the  frost  is  not  very  severe. 
These  are  very  frequently  allowed  to  become  too 
crowded  with  wood,  and  then  superficially  sheared  or 
cut.  The  flowers  would  be  much  finer,  and  the  bush 
handsomer,  if  they  were  regularly  thinned  out,  divest- 
ing them  of  all  naked  and  superfluous  shoots.  Of  those 
that  remain,  shorten  the  shoots  of  last  year.  Where 
any  of  the  honeysuckle  kind  has  become  naked  at  the 
bottom,  and  flowering  only  at  the  top  of  the  trellis,  or 
extremities  of  the  shoots,  one  half  of  the  bush  should 
be  cut  to  within,  four  inches  of  the  ground.  It  will 
throw  out  plenty  of  fine  young  wood,  which  give  room 
for,  and  train  them  straight,  and  to  the  full  extent, 
during  summer.  These  shoots  will  flower  profusely 
the  following  season,  and  in  like  manner,  when  thought 
proper,  the  other  half  can  be  cut. 

Roses  of  the  hardy  kinds  (termed  garden  roses)  that 
were  not  attended  to  in  November,  should,  if  the  wea- 
ther permit,  be  dressed  and  pruned  forthwith.  In  small 
gardens,  where  these  are  generally  attached  to  the 
walls  and  fences,  neatness  should  be  a  very  particular 
object.  If  any  of  such  bushes  have  got  strong  and 
irregular,  the  most  proper  method  to  bring  them  to 
order,  will  be  to  cut  down  each  alternate  shoot  of  the 
bush  to  within  a  few  inches  of  the  surface,  thereby  re- 
novating it,  and,  in  part,  preserving  the  flowers.  Those 
that  are  cut  down  will  put  out  several  luxuriant  shoots, 


FEBRUARY.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— OF  PRUNING,  &c.  47 

which  must  be  regularly  tacked  in,  spreading  them  in 
a  fan  shape.  These,  in  another  year,  will  flower  well, 
when  the  others  may  go  through  the  same  operation. 
Thus,  in  two  or  three  years,  the  bushes  will  have  re- 
sumed a  different,  and  more  agreeable  aspect.  By 
the  above  treatment,  these  ornaments  of  the  garden 
will  always  have  a  neat  and  healthful  appearance,  and 
the  roses  will  be  much  finer.  Where  they  are  intended 
for  the  borders,  they  should  never  be  allowed  to  get 
too  high.  In  a  border  from  four  to  si*  feet,  they  ought 
never  to  exceed  four  feet  at  the  back  of  the  border, 
and  in  front,  one  foot,  after  being  pruned;  they  can  be 
kept  down  by  the  above  method.  It  is  not  advisable 
to  cut  down  rose  bushes  all  at  once,  unless  no  regard 
is  paid  to  flowering.  The  roses  that  are  in  grass  plats 
would  have  a  superior  appearance  in  every  respect,  if 
they  were  kept  and  trimmed  like  small  trees.  They 
may  be  of  different  sizes  and  heights,  according  to  the 
extent  of  the  grass  plat  or  clump.  A  single  stem  may 
arise  from  six  inches  to  six  feet,  with  a  head  in  propor- 
tion to  the  height  of  the  stem.  Where  it  is  necessary 
to  have  them  above  two  feet,  and  likewise  to  carry  a 
good  head,  inoculation  must  be  resorted  to,  which,  in 
the  months  of  June  and  July,  will  be  fully  treated  of. 
All  under  two  feet  (except  the  weak  growing  kpids) 
will  do  on  their  own  stems,  taking  care  not  to  allow 
shoots  to  arise  from  the  bottom  during  the  summer. 
For  directions  for  pruning  climbing  roses,  see  March 
and  April. 


48  FLOWER-GARDEN— OF  PLANTING  SHRUBS,  &c.    [FEBRUARY. 

'  ^  •*'      "* " '  *i' •,-•'*  ^          ~  « 

W,  •  <**  •  ••   -.  ,    •» 

* 

OF  PLANTING  SHRUBS,  &c. 

As  soon  as  the  frost  is  out  of  the  ground,  these 
should  be  planted  if  the  soil  is  not  too  wet.  Where 
soil  is  binding,  upon  no  consideration  plant  in  it  while 
wet,  rather  defer  it  until  the  end  of  March. 

Shrubs,  if  they  are  well  arranged,  are  the  chief  orna- 
ment, give  the  most  pleasure,  and  afford  the  greatest 
delight  that  we  enjoy  in  our  gardens.  Although  they 
give  no  sort  of  nourishment,  nor  produce  any  edible 
fruits,  yet  they  are  particularly  grateful  and  conducive 
to  our  enjoyments.  Our  walks  in  summer  would  be 
oppressive,  but  for  their  agreeable  shade;  in  the  fall 
and  winter,  we  would  be  left  exposed  to  the  chilling 
winds,  but  for  the  shelter  they  afford. 

Likewise  they  produce  a  great  variety  of  flowers,  a 
varied  foliage,  and  are  standing  ornaments  that  give 
no  great  trouble.  In  the  character  of  screens  they  are 
particularly  useful,  whether  to  hide  disagreeable  ob- 
jects, or  as  a  guard  against  the  weather;  and  for  either 
of  these  purposes,  they  can  be  planted  nearer  to  the 
house  than  large  trees.  Or,  if  they  are  planted  in 
masses  at  a  distance,  they  soon  become  agreeable  ob- 
jects^  frequently  very  much  improve  the  scenery  of  the 
place,  become  objects  of  utility  as  well  as  ornament, 
and,  in  such  case,  afford  the  highest  satisfaction. 
When  formed  so  as  to  exclude  offices  from  the  view  of 
the  house,  or  for  sheltering  the  latter,  or  for  connect- 
ing the  house  with  the  garden,  orchard,  or  any  similar 

purpose,  shrubs  are  both  useful  and  interesting. 

- 


FEBKUARY.J      FLOWE&  GARDEN— PLANTING  SHRUBS,  &c.  49 

Where  many  shrubs  are  to  be  planted,  the  disposing 
of  them  properly  is  a  matter  of  considerable  import- 
ance to  the  future  welfare  of  the  whole ;  and,  whether 
deciduous  or  evergreens  be  mixed  or  grouped,  that  is, 
indiscriminately  planted  together,  or  the  evergreens 
planted  by  themselves,  as  is  frequently  done,  a  regular 
and  natural  arrangement  is  indispensable  for  establish- 
ing ornament. 

Arranging,  no  doubt,  depends  very  much  on  fancy ; 
still,  there  ought  always  to  be  plenty  of  evergreens 
planted,  that  the  whole  may  be  more  cheerful  in  win- 
ter. 

If  shrubberies  were  made  to  a  great  extent,  the 
scenery  would  be  much  more  varied  and  characteris- 
tic by  grouping  judiciously  than  by  indiscriminately 
planting. 

However,  in  small  flower  gardens  and  shrubberies, 
the  latter  has  to  be  adopted.  In  such  places,  tall 
growing  kinds  should  never  be  introduced,  unless 
merely  as  a  screen  from  some  disagreeable  object,  for 
they  crowd  and  confuse  the  whole.  The  dwarf  and 
more  bushy  sorts  should  be  placed  next  to  the  walks, 
or  edges,  in  order  that  they  may  conceal  the  naked 
stems  of  the  others.  Generally  when  shrubs  are  plant- 
ed, they  are  small;  therefore,  to  have  a  good  effect 
from  the  beginning,  they  should  be  planted  much 
thicker  than  they  are  intended  to  stand.  When  they 
have  grown  a  few  years,  and  interfere  with  each  other, 
they  can  be  lifted,  and  such  as  have  died,  or  become 
sickly,  replaced,  and  the  remainder  can  be  planted  in 
some  other  direction.  Keep  them  always  distinct,  one 


50  FLOWER  GARDEN— PLANTING  SHRUBS,  &c.    [FEBRUARY. 

from  another,  in  order  that  they  may  be  the  better 
shown  off.  But,  if  it  is  not  desired  that  they  should  be 
thicker  planted  than  it  is  intended  to  let  them  remain, 
the  small  growing  kinds  may  be  four  or  five  feet  apart; 
|  the  larger,  or  taller  sorts,  six  or  eight  feet,  according 
to  the  condition  of  the  soil. 

Thick  masses  of  shrubbery,  called  thickets,  are 
sometimes  wanted.  In  these  there  should  be  plenty  of 
evergreens.  A  mass  of  deciduous  shrubs  has  no  im- 
posing effect  during  winter;  and,  as  this  is  not  the  pro- 
per season  for  planting  evergreens,  (April  and  Octo- 
ber being  best,)  small  stakes  can  be  placed  in  the 
destined  spot.  Planting  in  rows,  or  in  any  plan  of  a 
formal  character,  should  at  all  times  be  avoided. 

In  planting  at  this  season,  observe  that  the  roots  are 
not  much  exposed  to  the  air,  especially  if  the  wind  be 
high  and  sharp ;  but  it  is  always  better,  if  possible,  to 
defer  the  business  until  good,  mild  weather.  Accord- 
ing to  directions  in  November,  the  ground  will  be  well 
prepared,  and  only  requires  a  hole  dug  for  the  recep- 
tion of  the  roots,  which  must  be  considerably  larger, 
that  the  roots  may  not  be  in  the  least  confined.  Break 
the  earth  well  at  bottom,  put  in  as  much  as  will  receive 
the  plant  from  one  to  two  inches  (according  to  its  size) 
lower  than  it  has  previously  been  in  the  Nursery.  If 
any  of  the  roots  are  bruised  or  broken,  cut  them  off; 
then  place  the  plant  in  the  centre  of  the  hole,  breaking 
fine  all  the  soil  that  is  put  in,  at  the  same  time  shaking 
the  stem  a  little,  that  the  earth  may  mix  with  the  roots 
when  full  up ;  press  all  the  soil  down  with  the  foot,  that 
it  may,  in  some  degree,  consolidate  about  the  roots, 


FEBRUARY.]         FLOWER  GARDEN—OF  FRAMING,  &c.  51 

and  support  the  plant.  If  it  is  tall,  or  top  heavy,  put 
in  a  good  stake  for  a  support,  and  place  a  small 
bandage  between  the  stake  and  stem  of  the  plant, 
shrub,  or  tree,  where  the  tie  is  to  be  made,  to  prevent 
the  bark  from  suffering  by  friction.  Observe  always  ^ 
before  planting,  if  the  soil  is  not  suitable,  to  supply  that 
which  is  congenial  to  the  nature  of  the  intended  plant. 
When  shrubs  or  trees  are  to  be  carried  to  any  dis- 
tance, the  roots  should  be  carefully  kept  from  air,  by 
tying  damp  moss,  straw,  or  Russia  mats  about  them, 
as  circumstances  will  admit;  their  success  greatly  de- 
pends on  due  attention  being  paid  to  this. 

1$ 

OF  HYACINTHS  AND  OTHER  BULBOUS  ROOTS. 

It  sometimes  occurs  that  Hyacinths  and  other  bulb- 
ous roots  that  were  planted  in  the  fall,  are  thrown 
above  ground  by  the  frost.  This  will  take  place  if  the 
soil  is  inclined  to  moisture,  and  they  not  being  deep 
enough  planted.  If  such  is  the  case,  cover  them  with 
wood  earth,  old  decayed  tan,  or  soil,  whichever  is 
most  convenient;  if  not  done,  the  sun  and  air  over- 
power the  bulbs,  and,  although  the  fibres  have  hold  of 
the  ground,  the  flowers  will  be  miserably  weak.  Hya- 
cinth bulbs,  and  many  others  of  Holland,  are  very 
hardy.  Even  exposure  to  our  severest  frosts  would 

not  kill  them, -but  they  would  be  much  weakened. 

•**  •  *    • 

OF  FRAMING,  &c. 

Where  a  frame  or  hotbed  is  wanted  to  grow  some 


* 

„ 

52  FLOWER  GARDEN— FRAMING,  &c.  [FS»IUAIY. 

of  the  finest  and  more  tender  annuals,  it  is  time,  about 
the  20th  of  the  month,  to  collect  and  prepare  manure 
"*  .  fpr  the  desired  hotbed.  And,  as  that  operation,  in 
many  instances,  is  very  imperfectly  performed,  a  few 
observations  on  the  subject  may  be  useful. 

Take  three  parts  of  fresh  hot  stable  manure,  with 
one  part  of  fresh  oak  leaves.     Have  a  sufficient  quan- 
tity to  make  the  intended  bed  or  beds  from  three  to 
four  feet  high.     Shake  and  mix  up  both  together  in  a  #V 
compact  conical  heap,  in  order  to  encourage  fermenta- 
tion.    If  the  weather  is  cold  and  windy,  cover  it  with 
straw  or  leaves  and  boards,  which  is  necessary  to  pro- 
duce the  desired  effect.     If  fermentation  soon  takes 
place,  it  will  need  to  be  thoroughly  turned  over  in 
eight  or  ten  days.     If  any  of  it  has  become  dry  and 
musty  from  excessive  heat,  as  you  proceed,  water  the 
affected  parts,  pile  all  up  neatly,  and  leave  it  protected 
in  part  as  before.     In  five  or  six  days   more,  it  will 
have  to  be  turned  again,  repeating  it  until  the  first  ex- 
treme heat  has  been  over.     In  neglect  of  this,  the  heat, 
after  making  up  the  bed,  will  be  vehement  for  a  week 
or  two,  frequently  destroying  the  vegetative  purity  of 
the  soil,  and  proving  destructive  to  the  seeds. 

Allowing  the  manure  to  come  to  a  lively  heat,  hav- 
ing no  unpleasant,  rancid  smell,  proceed  to  mark  off 
your  intended  bed,  running  it  east  and  west  as  nearly 
as  possible,  measure  your  frame,  and  allow  the  site  of 
the  bed  eight  inches  each  way  larger  than  the  frame : 
at  the  corners  place  a  stick  or  rod  perpendicularly. 
The  ground  ought  to  be  higher  than  that  around  it,  to 
prevent  water  from  getting  into  the  bed,  which,  if  low, 


*  * :  - . ..  *  <•   < . 

...  . 

;T 

,*  '  j,.   :  ^i 

FEBRUARY.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— FRAMING,  &c.  • ,  ,53 

^r 

must  be  filled  up ;  or,  if  supposed  that  water  may  lodge 
there,  a  little  brushwood  might  be  put  under  the 
manure,  which  would  keep  it  from  being  inundated. 
The  manure  must  be  built  up  square  and  level,  shak- 
ing, mixing,  and  beating  it  regularly  with  the  back  of 
the  fork.  When  you  have  it  to  the  desired  height, 
(three  feet  will  be  sufficient  for  annuals,)  leave  the 
centre  of  the  bed  a  little  higher  than  the  sides,  thus 
allowing  it  more  to  subside.  When  finished,  put  on 
the  frame  and  sash  or  sashes,  keep  them  close  until 
the  heat  arises,  covering  them  at  night  with  mats  and 
shutters.  As  soon  as  you  feel  the  heat  increased,  give 
air  by  tilting  the  sashes  a  few  inches  to  let  off  the 
steam  and  stagnated  air,  observing  to  close  in  the 
afternoon,  and  cover  at  night.  If  the  heat  is  violent, 
about  an  inch  of  air  might  be  left  during  the  night. 
In  about  three  days,  if  all  has  been  properly  attended 
to,  the  bed  will  be  what  is  termed  sweet.  Then  put  in  . 
about  six  inches  of  fine  garden  soil;  if  heavy,  mix  a 
little  sand  with  it.  Spread  it  level,  and,  when  the  soil 
is  heated  through,  sow  in  small  drills  from  one  eighth 
to  an  inch  deep,  according  to  the  size  of  the  seeds. 
Some  very  small  kinds  do  best  when  sown  upon  the 
surface.  When  sown,  give  gentle  sprinklings  of 
water  until  they  come  up,  when  it  will  be  necessary  to 
give  air  to  prevent  them  from  being  weak,  or  damping 
off,  ivhich  many  of  them  will  do  if  they  have  not  air 
regiilarly  admitted.  When  they  begin  to  crowd,  thin 
thejin  out,  to  allow  those  that  remain  to  grow  strong. 
It  is  better  at  all  times  to  have  one  strong,  healthy 
plant,  than  two  weak  and  sickly  objects. 


54 


FEBRUARY. 

At  this  season,  the  plants  call  for  the  most  assiduous 
attention.  If  the  stage  has  been  made  according  to 
our  description,  in  very  cold  nights  it  should  be  drawn 
to  the  centre  of  the  room,  or  at  least  withdrawn  from 
the  window,  observing  every  night  to  close  the  window 
V  tight  by  shutters,  or  some  substitute  equally  as  good. 
And,  if  the  temperature  begins  to  fall  below  34°,  means 
should  be  adopted  to  prevent  it,  either  by  putting  a  fire 
in  the  room,  or  opening  any  adjoining  apartment  where 
fire  is  constantly  kept.  This  latter  method  is  the  best 
where  it  is  practicable,  and  ought  to  be  studied  to  be 
made  so. 

Some,  very  injudiciously,  in  extreme  frosts  put  into 
the  room,  where  there  is  no  chimney,  amongst  the 
plants,  a  furnace  of  charcoal,  in  order  to  heat  the 
room.  The  effect  is,  that  the  foliage  becomes  dark 
brown,  and  hardened  like,  and  many  of  the  plants  die, 
the  rest  not  recovering  until  summer. 

Watering  may  be  attended  to  according  to  the  di- 
rections of  January,  only  observing  that  those  that 
begin  to  grow  will  absorb  a  little  more  than  those  that 
are  dormant. 

Roses,  especially  the  Daily,  if  kept  in  the  house,  will 


FEBRUARY.]  ROOMS.  55 

begin  to  show  flower  buds.  Use  means  to  kill  the 
Green-fly  that  may  attack  them. 

Hyacinths  and  other  bulbs  must  have  regular  attend- 
ance in  tying  up,  &c.  Take  care  not  to  tie  them 
too  tight,  leaving  sufficiency  of  space  for  the  stem  to 
expand.  Give  those  in  the  glasses  their  necessary 
supplies,  and  keep  them  all  near  the  light.  Never  keep 
bulbous  roots  while  growing  under  the  shade  of  any 
other  plant. 

Camellias,  with  all  their  varied  beauties,  will,  in  this 
month,  make  a  splendid  show.  Adhere  to  the  direc- 
tions given  in  the  previous  month,  and  so  that  new 
varieties  may  be  obtained,  (see  Green-house,  February, 
under  the  head'  of  Camellia?)  which  directions  are 
equally  applicable  here.  When  the  flowers  are  full 
blown,  and  kept  in  a  temperature  between  34°  and  44°, 
they  will  be  perfect  for  the  space  of  four,  five,  and  fre- 
quently six  weeks,  and  a  good  selection  of  healthy 
plants  will  continue  to  flower  from  December  to  April. 

Be  sure  that  there  is  air  admitted  at  all  favourable 
opportunities.  Give  a  little  every  day  that  there  is 
sunshine,  if  it  is  only  for  a  few  minutes. 


f  \ 
f 


56 


. 

If  this  department  has  been  regularly  attended  to, 
the  plants  will  be  in  a  fresh  healthy  state.  Where  there 
is  any  sickly  appearance,  heat  has  been  deficient,  or 
insects  of  a  destructive  character  are  preying  upon 
them.  Too  much  water  at  the  root  frequentl  ycauses 
the  foliage  to  become  yellow.  It  will  add  greatly  to 
their  general  improvement,  to  syringe  the  whole  twice 
or  three  times  a  week,  observing  to  do  it  in  the  morn- 
ing about  sunrise ;  and  it  is  highly  necessary  that  the 
water  that  is  used  should  be  of  the  same  temperature 
as  the  house;  and  at  all  times,  whatever  water  is  given 
to  the  roots,  the  same  must  be  observed.  For  airing, 
see  last  month,  observing,  as  the  season  advances,  to 
increase  the  quantity. 

Continue  to  fumigate  when  any  of  the  Green-fly  ap- 
pears, (see  January  for  directions,)  and  where  there 
are  any  of  the  plants  infected  with  the  white  scaly  in- 
sect, clean  them  as  there  directed.  If  overlooked 
for  a  few  months,  they  will  be  increased  tenfold.  V-ery 
frequently,  where  there  are  only  a  few,  they  are  neglect- 
ed until  the  plant  is  overrun  with  them,  and  then  it 
may  be  said,  it  is  impossible  to  dislodge  them  entirely. 
Clear  off  all  decayed  leaves  from  the  plants.  These 
will  have  made  fresh  shoots,  and  the  decayed  leaves 
very  much  disfigure  the  whole  collection.  We  would 


.  •   £  V*         ,:«r         ;.;f>     -^. 
MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE.  57 

not  have  repeated  this  observation,  if  it  was  not  an  es- 
sential point,  and  one  which  is  so  frequently  neglected. 

.  • .  HP         -  .  • ;  -. 

i\'.r'*$?~'~-     ;  YV      .  ••*.  v?-.. 

OF  SHIFTING  PLANTS. 

Those  Alstromerias  that  are  growing  freely,  and  in    . 
small  pots,  should  be  put  into  pots  of  a  larger  size. 
This  genus  of  plants  will  not  flower  except  they  are 
encouraged  with  frequent  shifting :  they  are  all  beauti- 
ful. 


MARCH. 

The  plants  .in  this  compartment  will  begin  to  assume 
a  different  aspect,  and  air  must  be  admitted  every  day 
if  practicable,  giving  large  portions  in  sunshine  by  the 
sashes  regularly  over  all  the  house,  opening  those  of 
the  front  a  little,  and  likewise  the  doors  in  fine  mild 
days.  To  perform  this  judiciously,  give  a  little  about 
eight  or  nine  o'clock,  more  at  ten,  and  the  whole  from 
eleven  till  twelve  o'clock,  shutting  again  by  degrees. 

Fire  heat  will  now  be  dispensed  with,  but  in  frosty 
nights  have  the  shutters  on  about  sundown.  The  sun 
is  now  powerful,  and  the  house  can  be  early  shut  up  in 
the  afternoon,  and  will  gain  as  much  natural  heat  as 
will  keep  up  the  required  temperature,  viz.  36°  to  40°. 
8 


58  GREEN-HOUSE—ORANGES,  &c.  [MARCH. 

Perhaps  there  may  be  uncommonly  cold  weather ;  at 
such  times  be  attentive  to  ward  off  danger  by  applying 
artificial  heat. 


OF  WATERING. 

Look  over  the  pots  and  tubs  at  least  every  alternate 
day,  to  see  where  water  is  wanted.  In  watering,  too 
much  caution  cannot  be  used,  especially  during  winter 
and  the  commencement  of  spring.  It  was  observed 
last  month  what  would  be  the  effect  of  too  much  wa- 
ter. It  may  be  remarked,  that  if  the  exterior  of  the 
pot  is  very  damp,  the  soil  inside  is  too  wet,  and  in  that 
state  is  uncongenial  to  vegetation,  which  now  begins 
to  start,  and  ought  by  all  possible  means  to  be  encou- 
raged. People  may  be  frequently  observed  watering 
all  plants  indiscriminately,  not  taking  the  trouble  to 
look  into  or  feel  the  state  of  the  soil  in  the  pots  or  tubs, 
and  by  going  over  them  three  or  four  times  in  this 
manner  will  be  sufficient  to'  put  the  plants  in  such  a 
state,  that  they  will  not  be  recruited  for  some  months. 
Hence  the  reason  of  so  many  sickly  plants. 

Camellias,  where  there  are  collections,  will  continue 
to  flower.  Treat  them  according  to  the  directions  gi- 
ven last  month. 


OF  ORANGES,  LEMONS,  &c. 

Be  sure  they  are  not  too  wet,  as  too  much  humidity 
as  well  as  aridity  causes  their  foliage  to  have  a  yellow 
appearance,  with  this  difference,  that  in  the  former 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—MYRTLES,  &c.  1 59 

case  the  foliage  is  the  same  to  the  touch  as  when 
green ;  but  in  the  latter,  it  is  soft  and  dry.  We  have 
observed  trees  in  tubs  and  half  barrels,  with  holes  all 
round  their  sides.  This  is  a  ludicrous  idea,  having  the 
appearance  of  keeping  the  water  from  reaching  the 
bottom  of  the  tub  or  barrel.  For  the  best  kind  of  tub 
for  large  trees,  see  August  under  this  head.  If  any  of 
the  trees  have  stunted,  straggling,  or  irregular  heads, 
about  the  end  of  this  month,  or  beginning  of  next,  head 
or  cut  them  down  to  the  shape  desired.  The  old  wood 
will  push  fresh  shoots.  You  may  cut  close,  or  shorten 
less  or  more,  according  as  you  desire  young  shoots  to 
arise ;  at  the  same  time  observe  that  you  do  not  cut 
below  the  graft  or  inoculation.  Trees  thus  headed 
down  should  be  kept  until  May,  and  then  planted  in  the 
garden,  (see  May^)  or  if  that  cannot  be  done,  turn  it 
out,  and  reduce  the  ball  of  earth  by  probing  with  a 
pointed  stick  all  round  the  sides  and  bottom  of  the 
ball,  cutting  off  any  very  matted  roots.  If  any  of  the 
roots  are  decayed,  cut  them  into  the  sound  wood.  By 
being  thus  reduced,  it  will  go  into  the  same  pot  or  tub 
if  not  a  less  one.  Having  a  good  supply  of  fresh  earth 
ready,  put  a  few  inches  in  the  bottom  of  the  pot  or  tub, 
place  the  tree  therein,  and  fill  all  round,  at  the  same  time 
pressing  it  down  with  the  hand  or  a  stick.  Give  very 
little  water  until  there  are  signs  of  vegetation. 

MYRTLES,  OLEANDERS,  &c. 

These,   with   similar    exotics,  may  be  treated   as 
above.     If  any  of  them  have  been  infected  with  the 


-  jl*.; 


'A  £ 
60  GREEN-HOUSE— CAPE  BULBS,  &c.  [MARCH. 

scaly  insect,  after  heading  down,  &c.  scrub  the  remain- 
ing stems  with  a  strong  decoction  of  tobacco,  heated 
to  about  100°.  Afterwards  clean  with  soap  and  water. 

'V    GERANIUMS. 

These  will  be  growing  freely.  Keep  them  in  airy 
situations,  so  that  they  may  not  grow  too  weak,  and 
flower  imperfect.  To  flower  these  plants  strong,  and 
of  good  colour,  they  must  not  be  too  crowded  together, 
neither  far  from  the  light,  and  have  plenty  of  air  ad- 
mitted to  them,  when  the  weather  is  favourable.  Keep 
them  free  from  the  Green-fly  by  fumigating  frequently. 

HERBACEOUS  PLANTS. 

Plants  of  this  character  will,  by  the  first  of  the 
month,  begin  to  grow.  The  best  time  to  divide  and 
fresh  pot  them  is  when  the  young  shoots  are  about 
one  inch  above  ground.  See  under  the  head  Shifting 
in  this  month. 

OF  CAPE  BULBS,  &c. 

Cape  Bulbs,  such  as  Lachcndlias,  Oxalis,  Ixias,  Gladio- 
lus, Watsbnias,  Babidnas,  &c.  will  in  many  of  the  species 
be  showing  flower.  Keep  all  of  them  near  the  glass, 
to  prevent  them  from  being  weak  and  unsightly. 

Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Narcissus,  &c.  Those  that  have 
been  kept  in  the  Green-house  during  winter  will  be  in 
great  perfection.  Have  all  the  flower  stems  tied  up 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  g| 

neatly  to  small  stakes,  (which,  if  painted  green,  will 
look  much  better,)  and  keep  them  from  the  direct  rays 
of  the  sun.  In  the  front  of  the  house  perhaps  will  be 
the  best  situation.  They  must  be  freely  watered  while 
in  flower.  Where  there  is  convenience,  it  will  be  es- 
sential to  keep  the  pots  in  saucers  containing  water ; 
it  will  strengthen  both  stems  and  flowers,  and  likewise 
preserve  them  longer  in  perfection,  Those  that  are 
blooming  should  be  put  aside,  and  watered  sparingly, 
until  the  foliage  begins  to  decay,  when  the  pots  may 
be  laid  on  their  side  to  ripen  the  bulbs. 

REPOTTING. 

If  you  have  any  of  the  following  plants  that  you 
are  desirous  of  encouraging,  they  should  be  repot- 
ted this  or  next  month  at  the  latest.  Large  plants 
will  not  require  it,  if  they  were  done  in  August. 
Pots  one  size  larger  than  those  that  they  are  in,  are 
sufficient.  Acacias  and  Mimdsas  being  now  united  into 
one  genus,  there  are  above  two  hundred  species. 
About  one  hundred  and  thirty  belong  to  the  Green- 
house. Amongst  such  a  beautiful  family,  both  for  ele- 
gance of  flower  and  beauty  of  foliage,  it  will  be  difficult 
to  specify  the  most  handsome  and  desirable  for  this 
department.  A.  mottis,  A.  glaucesccns,  A.  verticilata,  A. 
florabunda,  A.  diffusa,  A.  armdta,  A.  verniciflua*  A.  decur- 
re.ns,  A.  armata — weeping  variety,  A.  pubescens,  A.  leuco- 
Ibbia,  A.  decipiens,  A.  fragrdns,  A.  pukhella,  A.  lophdntha, 
A.  myrtifblia,  &c.  These  will  afford  a  great  variety  of 
foliage,  and  are  very  desirable,  flowering  principally  in 


62  GREEN.HOUSE— REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

winter,  or  early  in  spring.  The  flowers  of  those  be- 
longing to  the  Green-house  are  of  a  yellow  or  straw 
colour ;  the  most  of  those  that  are  red  or  purple,  with 
the  celebrated  medicinal  species,  belong  to  the  Hot- 
house, for  which  see  May.  There  are  some  of 
the  species  very  subject  to  the  white  scaly  insect, 
which  must  be  attended  to,  that  they  may  not  get  to 
any  extent. 

Agapanthus,  three  species.  They  are  all  blue  flowers. 
A.  umbellatus  is  very  celebrated,  and  well  known  in.  the 
collections  of  the  country.  There  is  a  variegated  va- 
riety of  it  highly  desirable,  the  foliage  being  white 
striped,  and  frequently  the  flower  stem  and  the  flower 
are  as  good  as  the  species.  They  have  very  strong 
roots,  and  require  plenty  of  freedom.  Plants  are 
always  large  before  they  flower,  and  when  the  pots, 
by  frequent  shifting,  become  inconvenient,  the  plant 
should  be  divested  of  all  the  earth,  and,  if  too  large, 
divide  it,  cutting  off  the  strongest  of  the  fibres ;  then 
they  will  admit  of  being  put  into  smaller  pots.  If  the 
above  operation  is  performed  in  August  or  September, 
it  will  not  retard  their  flowering,  which,  when  well 
grown,  is  very  handsome,  the  flower  stem  arising  about 
three  feet,  and  crowned  with  twenty  or  thirty  brilliant 
blue  blossoms,  continuing  to  bloom  successively,  r 

Alonsbas,  five  species,  all  soft  wooded,  small,  shrubby 
plants,  with  scarlet  flowers.  Jl.  incisifblia  is  known 
amongst  us  under  the  name  of  Hemimeris  urticifolia, 
and  A.  linearis  as  H.  linearis.  If  well  treated,  they  form 
very  handsome  plants,  and  flower  freely.  They  will 
not  bear  strong  fumigation;  and,  when  the  house  is 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  63 

under  that  operation,  they  must  be  put  on  the  floor  of 
the  Green-house,  where  they  will  not  be  so  much  af- 
fected. They  flower  from  May  to  August. 

Aiicuba  japonica  is  the  only  species.  The  flowers  are 
small  and  almost  insignificant,  colour  purple;  but  the 
foliage  is  a  desirable  object,  being  yellow  spotted,  or 
blotched.  It  is  tolerably  hardy,  and  withstands  our 
winters.  It  prefers  shade,  and,  if  the  situation  was 
such  when  planted  out,  it  would  grow  more  freely. 
The  hot  rays  of  the  sun  are  very  prejudicial  to  its 
growth.  It  is  an  evergreen  shrub,  and  very  desirable. 

Anagyris,  three  species,  evergreen,  pea  flowered 
shrubs,  flowers  yellow,  nothing  very  attractive  in  either 
of  the  species.  A.fatida  is  found  in  many  collections, 
and  we  have  no  doubt  but  it  may  prove,  in  this  coun- 
try, a  hardy  shrub. 

Azaleas,  seven  of  the  China  species,  which  are  those 
we  shall  enumerate  here.  The  one  that  has  been 
longest  known  in  the  collections  of  this  country  is  A. 
indica,  a  most  splendid  shrub,  with  scarlet  cup  flowers 
and  dark  spots.  A.  indica  alba,  flowers  of  the  purest 
white,  and  rather  larger  than  the  former.  A.  indica 
purpurea  pleno,  double  purple.  This  variety  is  not  so 
fine  as  any  of  the  others.  Properly  it  is  not  purple,  orT 
if  it  may  be  termed  so,  the  colour  is  very  light;  the 
flower  irregular.  A.  indica  phcemcea  is  magnificent* 
The  colour  is  darker,  and  the  flower  larger  than  A.  in- 
dica, and  a  free  grower.  A.  sinense,  flowers  large,  yel- 
low. The  wood  is  much  stronger  than  any  of  those 
previously  mentioned.  It  bears  a  very  high  character 
in  Europe.  It  has  not  yet  flowered  in  our  collection. 


64  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

but  appears  as  if  it  would  in  the  ensuing  season  (1832). 
All  the  above  ought  to  have  a  situation  in  every  Green- 
house. They  flower  from  March  until  May.  There 
are  two  other  varieties  which  have  not  come  under  our 
observation.  Do  not  shift  or  repot  them,  if  they  are  in 
flower,  until  the  flowering  is  over.  The  pots  must  be 
well  drained;  and  the  plants  require  a  shaded  situation. 
If  they  are  properly  treated,  they  will  be  completely 
covered  with  their  showy  flowers  every  year. 

Abtus,  two  species,  both  fine  leguminose  plants.  A. 
villbsa,  is  a  native  of  Van  Dieman's  Land;  and  A.vir- 
gata,  is  from  New  Holland.  The  former  is  preferable. 
Both  have  yellow  flowers,  and  are  small  evergreen 
shrubs. 

Andersonia  sprengeliotdes,  is  the  only  species,  and 
closely  allied  to  Epdcris,  flowers  small,  and  of  a  pale 
yellow  colour.  Drain  the  pots  well;  flowers  from 
March  to  August. 

Arbutus,  eight  exotic  species,  and  six  varieties.  They 
are  generally  hardy  in  England;  but  we  question  if 
they  stand  out  in  the  middle  states.  A.  unldo  rubra  has 
the  finest  crimson  flowers;  A.  serratifblia,  the  largest 
panicles  ;  and  A.  Andrachne,  the  finest  foliage.  They 
flower  in  nodding  panicles;  the  flowers  are  principally 
white,  tinged  with  green,  and  wax-like.  They  bear  a 
pretty  fruit  similar  to  a  strawberry ;  hence  it  is  called 
strawberry  tree,  and  the  fruit  will  remain  on  the  bush 
a  long  time.  They  are  very  fine  evergreens,  and  if  any 
of  them  become  acclimated,  they  will  be  a  great  ac- 
quisition to  our  gardens. 

Bdnksias.    There  are  about  thirty-two  species,  all 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  65 

curious  in  flower,  and  handsome  and  various  in  foliage; 
flowers  in  large  heads  and  cone-shaped  anthers,  mostly 
green,  and  continue  a  considerable  time  in  flower ;  pro- 
duces a  cone  in  shape  of  a  pine,  but  not  imbricate. 
The  substance  is  as  hard  as  bone,  and  contains  many 
seeds.  A  cone  of  B.  grdndis  in  our  possession  weighs 
one  pound  twelve  ounces,  and  contains  about  107  seeds. 
Those  most  admired  for  the  foliage  are  B.  dentata,  B. 
cemula,  B.  serrdta,  B.  latifblia,  B.  grdndis,  which  is  the 
largest.  B.  specibsa  has  the  longest  foliage.  B.  Cun- 
ninghdmii,  B.  spinulbsa,  B.  palludbsa,  and  B.  repens,  these 
will  afford  a  good  variety.  B.  verticilldta  is  entirely  dif- 
ferent in  appearance  from  the  others. 

They  should  be  well  drained,  and  placed  in  an  airy 
part  of  the  Green-house.  Great  care  should  be  taken 
that  they  do  not  get  too  dry,  for  they  seldom  recover  if 
allowed  to  flag  for  want  of  water.  This  genus  is  named 
in  honour  of  Sir  Joseph  Banks,  a  distinguished  promo- 
ter of  the  study  of  natural  history. 

Bignbnias.  Those  of  this  genus  belonging  to  the 
Green-house  have  been  divided  to  Tecbma,  and  there  are 
only  three  for  this  department.  T.  austrdlis  known  as 
B.  Pandora  ;  T.  grandiflbra,  known  as  B.  grandiflbra,  and 
has  large  and  magnificent  clusters  of  orange-coloured 
flowers,  flowering  from  May  to  October. 

Tecbma  capensis  is  a  very  pretty  climbing  shrub,  a  free 
grower,  and  flowers  abundantly;  fl6wers  in  dense  pan- 
icles, colour  orange  and  red,  continues  for  several  weeks 
in  succession  from  April  to  August,  greatly  esteemed 
in  Europe  where  it  is  known ;  being  now  in  a  few  of  our 
collections,  will  soon  be  generally  admired. 
9 


4  ; 

; 

66  GREEN-HOUSE-REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

Bletia  hyacinthma  is  the  only  species  belonging  to  the 
Green-house,  once  known  as  Cymbidium  hyacinthlnum. 
It  is  herbaceous,  and  when  it  begins  to  grow  divide  the 
root,  putting  the  best  into  five  inch  pots.  The  spike  of 
flowers  are  hyacinth-like,  and  of  a  beautiful  purple, 
flowering  from  April  to  July. 

Boronia  is  a  beautiful  genus  of  New  Holland  plants, 
contains  about  nine  species ;  most  of  them  have  been 
universally  admired ;  the  flowers  are  star-like,  and  rose- 
coloured,  and  some  of  them  sweet-scented.  B.pinndta 
grows  and  flowers  freely.  B.  serrulata,  foliage  serrated 
and  very  crowded,  bearing  the  flowers  on  the  extremity 
of  the  shoot.  B.  data  has  a  fine  appearance,  and 
grows  handsomely.  The  foliage  is  winged  and  pinnate, 
of  a  hardy  nature,  and  easy  culture,  flowers  freely. 
They  are  in  flower,  about  April  and  May,  and  continue 
a  considerable  time ;  are  subject  to  mildew  if  not  fre- 
quently syringed ;  drain  the  pots  well. 

Bouvdrdias,  two  species.  B.  triphylla  is  well  known 
amongst  us,  has  brilliant  scarlet  flowers,  and  when 
well  grown,  will  flower  beautifully  from  May  till  Sep- 
tember. To  keep  the  plants,  they  should  be  frequent- 
ly renewed ;  otherwise  they  are  liable  to  grow  strag- 
gling, and  become  subject  to  the  small  white  scaly  in- 
sect. B.  Jacgmnce  we  suspect  has  got  confounded  with 
the  former,  being  very  little  different,  except  the  foli- 
age, which  is  more  pointed.  They  flower  from  the 
young  wood,  and  often  throw  their  foliage  in  winter. 

Brachysemas,  two  species,  both  evergreen  climbers. 
B.  htifblium  has  the  best  foliage,  and  large  purple  le- 
guminose  flowers.  B.  undulatum,  flowers  yellow,  and 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  67 

more  plentiful  than  the  former,  continuing  in  long  suc- 
cessions. The  pots  require  to  be  well  drained ;  very 
few  plants  of  either  in  the  country. 

Burchellias,  two  species.  B.  capensis  is  a  beautiful 
dwarf  evergreen  shrub,  with  tubular  scarlet  flowers  in 
large  terminale  clusters;  when  well  treated,  grows  and 
flowers  freely,  and  highly  deserving  of  attention.  B. 
parviflbra  differs  from  the  above  in  the  flowers  being 
smaller  and  paler,  and  the  foliage  more  pointed. 

Beaufortias,  only  two  species.  B.  decussata  is  splen- 
did ;  the  flowers  come  out  of  the  wood  with  stamens 
in  fine  parcels,  colour  bright  scarlet,  foliage  decussate, 
oval,  and  many-nerved,  bloom  persistent,  and  much 
esteemed.  B.  spdrsa,  in  flower  similar  to  the  other, 
colour  light  pink,  foliage  scattered,  both  easy  of  cul- 
ture, and  flower  abundantly. 

Brunias,  about  ten  species,  have  heath-like  foliage, 
very  fine,  generally,  on  close  observation,  found  to  be 
three  cornered.  The  flowers  are  white  and  globular, 
the  plants  when  young  are  very  handsome ;  the  finest 
are  B.  nodiflbra,  B.  lanuginosa,  B.  comosa,  B.  abrotanoides, 
and  B.  formbsa.  They  require  an  airy  situation,  and 
in  summer  to  be  protected  from  the  powerful  rays  of 
the  sun.  Drain  the  pots  well. 

Bosea  yervamora,  Golden  rod  tree,  leaves  large,  alter- 
nate, ovate,  acute,  with  purple  veins  and  nerves, 
flowers  brown,  in  axillary  dense  panicles,  grows  strong 
and  freely. 

BceckiaS)  above  twelve  species,  of  heath-like  appear- 
ance, and  except  for  variety,  are  not  otherwise  desir- 
able. B*  camphordta  is  camphor-scented;  B.  pukhella 


68  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

is  very  neat;  and  B.  virgdta  flowers  freely.  Pots 
should  be  well  drained.  The  flowers  of  all  the  genus 
are  white. 

Billardieras,  about  five  species,  are  desirable  as 
climbers,  being  of  rapid  growth,  and  abundant  in 
flower.  B.  longiflbra,  fruits  freely,  and  has  fine  blue 
berries  which  look  handsome.  B.  mutabilis  is  change- 
able from  purple  to  scarlet.  The  fruit  of  B.  scandens  is 
covered  with  down,  flowers  straw  coloured.  B.  fusi- 
formis  differs  in  colour  from  the  others,  the  flowers 
being  blue.  They  require  to  be  well  drained. 

Calceolarias,  about  fourteen  species,  besides  many 
hybrid  varieties.  C.  angustifolia,  and  C.  integrifolia  are 
the  best  of  the  shrubby  species.  C.  plantaginea,  C.  co- 
rymbosa,  C.  purpurea,  and  C.  hopidna,  and  of  the  hybrid 
varieties,  C.  micans  and  C.  hybnda  are  very  fine ;  but 
we  understand  they  are  numerous,  and  some  of  them 
very  splendid. 

To  grow  any  of  these  properly,  they  should  be  di- 
vided a  few  weeks  after  they  begin  to  grow ;  put  them 
in  small  pots  at  first,  and  enlarge  them  gradually. 
Where  there  is  a  hot-house,  after  dividing  them,  it  will 
greatly  promote  their  growth  to  keep  them  in  it  a  few 
weeks  near  the  glass,  until  the  weather  gets  mild, 
when  they  may  be  removed  to  the  Green-house.  The 
flowers  are  principally  yellow.  C.  Pother gillii, purpurea, 
and  archnoidea  are  purple ;  the  hybrids  are  spotted  with 
red  and  brown,  and  some  of  them  streaked  many  co- 
lours. They  continue  a  long  time  in  flower. 

Calothamnus,  four  species.  This  genus  is  named  in 
allusion  to  the  splendid  appearance  of  the  branches, 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  59 

covered  with  scarlet  flowers  of  curious  construction, 
which  come  out  of  the  old  wood.  All  the  species  are 
of  easy  culture,  and  very  like  dwarf  pines.  C.  quadrif- 
fida  has  the  largest  flowers ;  C.  clavata  the  most  abund- 
ant. They  are  all  evergreens,  and  flower  from  April  to 
November. 

Camellias.  There  are  about  nine  species,  celebrated 
over  the  known  world  as  furnishing  the  domestic  drug 
calledtea,  in  universal  use,  besides  many  flowering 
trees  and  shrubs  as  universally  admired.  Oil  may  be 
expressed  from  the  seeds  of  all  the  species,  and  used 
as  that  of  hemp  and  poppy  in  cookery.  C.  viridis  and 
C.  bohea  are  said  to  be  the  species  which  supply  the 
tea.  Some  have  asserted  that  there  is  only  one  shrub 
used,  but  by  examination  it  may  be  easily  perceived 
that  there  are  leaves  of  various  shape  and  texture,  some 
of  them  similar  to  C.  sasanqua.  Dr.  Abel  gives  an  ex- 
plicit detail  of  the  growing  and  manufacturing  process 
of  tea,  from  which,  in  compliment  to  our  fair  patrons, 
we  give  a  few  extracts : 

"  The  tea  districts  of  China  extend  from  the  twenty- 
seventh  to  the  thirty-first  degree  of  north  latitude.  It 
seems  to  succeed  best  on  the  sides  of  mountains.  The 
soils  from  which  I  collected  the  best  specimens  consist- 
ed chiefly  of  sand-stone,  schistus,  or  granite.  The 
plants  are  raised  from  seeds  sown  where  they  are  to 
remain.  Three  or  more  are  dropped  into  a  hole  four 
or  five  inches  deep;  these  come  up  without  further 
trouble,  and  require  little  culture,  except  that  of  remov- 
ing weeds,  till  the  plants  are  three  years  old.  The 


70  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH, 

more  careful  stir  the  soil,  and  some  manure  it,  but  the 
latter  practice  is  seldom  adopted.  The  third  year  the 
leaves  are  gathered,  at  three  successive  gatherings,  in 
February,  April  and  June,  and  so  on  until  the  bushes 
become  stunted  or  slow  in  their  growth,  which  general* 
ly  happens  in  from  six  to  ten  years.  They  are  then 
cut  in  to  encourage  the  production  of  fresh  roots. 

"  The  gathering  of  the  leaves  is  performed  with  care 
and  selection.  The  leaves  are  plucked  off  one  by  one: 
at  the  first  gathering  only  the  unexpanded  and  tender 
are  taken ;  at  the  second  those  that  are  full  grown ; 
and  at  the  third  the  coarsest.  The  first  forms  what  is 
called  in  Europe  imperial  tea;  but  as  to  the  other 
names  by  which  tea  is  known,  the  Chinese  know  no- 
thing ;  and  the  compounds  and  names  are  supposed  to 
be  made  and  given  by  the  merchants  at  Canton,  who, 
from  the  great  number  of  varieties  brought  to  them, 
have  an  ample  opportunity  of  doing  so.  Formerly  it 
was  thought  that  green  tea  was  gathered  exclusively 
from  C.  viridis  ;  but  that  is  now  doubtful,  though  it  is 
certain  that  there  is  what  is  called  the  green  tea  dis- 
trict and  black  tea  district;  and  the  varieties  grown  in 
the  one  district  differ  from  those  of  the  other.  I  was 
told  by  competent  persons  that  either  of  the  two 
plants  will  afford  the  black  or  green  tea  of  the  shops, 
but  that  the  broad  thin-leaved  plant  (C.  viridis)  is  pre- 
ferred for  making  the  green  tea. 

"  The  tea  leaves  being  gathered,  are  cured  in  houses 
which  contain  from  five  to  twenty  small  furnaces,  about 
three  feet  high  each,  having  at  top  a  large  flat  iron  pan. 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE.— REPOTTING.  7 1 

There  is  also  a  long  low  table  covered  with  mats,  on 
which  the  leaves  are  laid,  and  rolled  by  workmen,  who 
sit  round  it :  the  iron  pan  being  heated  to  a  certain  de- 
gree by  a  little  fire  made  in  the  furnace  underneath,  a 
few  pounds  of  the  fresh-gatheried  leaves  are  put  upon  the 
pan ;  the  fresh  and  juicy  leaves  crack  when  they  touch 
the  pan,  and  it  is  the  business  of  the  operator  to  shift 
them  as  quickly  as  possible,  with  his  bare  hands,  till 
they  cannot  be  easily  endured.  At  this  instant  he  takes 
off  the  leaves  with  a  kind  of  shovel  resembling  a  fan, 
and  pours  them  on  the  mats  before  the  rollers,  who, 
taking  small  quantities  at  a  time,  roll  them  in  the  palm 
of  their  hands  in  one  direction,  while  others  are  fanning 
them,  that  they  may  cool  the  more  speedily,  and  retain 
their  curl  the  longer.  This  process  is  repeated  two  or 
three  times,  or  oftener,  before  the  tea  is  put  into  the 
stores,  in  order  that  all  the  moisture  of  the  leaves  may  be 
thoroughly  dissipated,  and  their  curl  more  completely 
preserved.  On  every  repetition  the  pan  is  less  heated, 
and  the  operation  performed  more  closely  and  cauti- 
ously. The  tea  is  then  separated  into  the  different 
kinds,  and  deposited  in  the  store  for  domestic  use  or 
exportation. 

"  The  different  sorts  of  black  and  green  'arise,  not 
merely  from  soil,  situation,  or  the  age  of  the  leaf;  but 
after  winnowing  .the  tea,  the  leaves  are  taken  up  in 
succession  as  they  fall;  those  nearest  the  machine 
being  the  heaviest,  are  the  gunpowder  tea;  the  light 
dust  the  worst,  being  chiefly  used  by  the  lower  classes. 
That  which  is  brought  down  to  Canton,  then  under- 


',.  .      :'<;*P 

• 

«r 


72  GREEN.HOUSE— REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

goes  a  second  roasting,  winnowing,  packing,  &c.  and 
many  hundred  women  are  employed  for  these  purposes.'* 
Kaernpfer  asserts  that  a  species  of  Camellia  as  well  as 
Oleafrdgrans  is  used  to  give  it  a  high  flavour.  ,^4 

C.  oleiferia  is  cultivated  principally  in  China  for  the 
oil  which  is  expressed  from  its  seeds,  which  is  much 
used  in  the  domestic  cookery  of  the  country ;  flower 
single  white. 

C.  Sesdnqua^  Lady  Banks's.  The  foliage  of  this 
species  is  very  small,  and  paler,  and  the  green  not  so 
fine  as  any  of  the  others.  It  seeds  freely,  and  is  often 
used  as  the  female  parent  in  producing  new  varieties  ; 
flowers  small  white  and  single,  with  many  anthers. 
There  are  a  Semi-double,  and  Double  variety  of  it  of 
the  same  colour. 

C.  maliflbra  is  figured  in  the  Botanical  Register,  under 
the  name  of  C.  Sesdnqua  rosea.  The  foliage  is  about 
the  same  shape  as  C.  Sesdnqua,  but  the  appearance  and 
habit  of  the  plant  are  completely  different,  growing  very 
freely  and  quite  erect ;  flowers  very  abundant.  A  large 
plant  of  it  will  continue  in  bloom  for  the  space  of  three 
months.  The  flowers  are  of  about  six  weeks'  dura- 
tion, colour  and  shape  of  Nose  de  meaux ;  has  been 
highly  esteemed.  One  plant  of  it  has  been  sold  for 
one  hundred  and  eighty  dollars. 

C.  Kissii.  We  believe  it  is  single  white,  has  not  come 
under  our  observation,  the  only  species  that  is  a  na- 
tive of  Nepaul. 

C.  reticuldta  was  brought  from  China  by  Capt.  Rawes. 
The  foliage  is  very  characteristic,  being  rougher  than 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  73 

any  of  the  other  flowers,  about  five  inches  in  diameter, 
brilliant  scarlet,  and  semi-double.  It  was  introduced 
into  Europe  in  1 822,  and  is  still  very  scarce.  Twenty- 
five  dollars  are  paid  for  a  small  twig  of  it.  From  pre- 
sent appearance,  it  will  never  be  so  plenty  as  many  of 
the  others,  being  tardy  of  propagation ;  only  a  few  eyes 
on  the  extremity  of  each  shoot  make  young  wood, 
and  if  these  are  cut  off,  the  plant  does  not  seem  to 
push  afresh. 

C.japonica,  the  original  of  many  splendid  varieties, 
probably  to  the  amount  of  one  hundred.  The  true  one 
is  in  very  few  collections ;  it  is  single  striped. 

C.japonica  rubra  is  the  single  red  of  our  collections, 
and  used  as  stocks  to  enarch,  graft,  or  inoculate  the 
other  varieties  upon,  being  easily  struck  by  cuttings. 
It  seeds  very  freely ,"when  the  stile  i«  impregnated,  and 
the  seedlings  make  the  strongest  and  best  stocks. 

C.japonica  alba,  single  white.  It  is  mentioned  in  some 
of  our  catalogues,  as  being  very  sweet-scented,  though 
not  very  perceptible  to  us.  The  foliage  and  wood  are 
very  strong,  being  a  free  seeding  variety,  consequently 
particularly  desirable,  as  a  stock  to  grow  new  varie- 
ties from.  Its  flowers  are  large  and  abundant. 

C.  semiduplex.  This  is  a  flower  with  two  rows  of 
petals.  Some  good  varieties  might  be  got  from  it, 
if  properly  impregnated. 

C.  rubro-pleno  is  a  strong  growing  and  free- 
flowering  variety.  The  flowers  are  large,  double  red, 
petals  irregular,  with  the  anthers  in  bunches  amongst 
them ;  flowers  are  of  long  duration  and  showy. 

C.  cdrnea,  frequently  known  as  Middlemist's  blush. 
10 


74  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

Colour  pink,  one  of  the  original  varieties,  and  frequent- 
ly produces  seeds ;  grows  freely. 

C.  myrtifolia,  known  in  some  collections  as  involuta. 
There  are  two  varieties  of  it,  major  and  minor ;  the 
former  is  certainly  the  best,  and  has  a  very  handsome, 
large,  and  .regular  red  flower ;  the  centre  frequently  is 
pink  and  purple ;  it  is  much  the  shape  of  Double  white, 
only  the  petals  are  more  cupped.  The  flower  is  of 
considerable  duration.  It  is  not  properly  named.  The 
foliage,  though  the  smallest  of  the  variety,  is  much 
larger  than  that  of  any  of  our  common  myrtles,  which 
might  make  many  mistake  its  character ;  and  another 
prominent  feature  is,  the  leaves  are  much  recurved  and 
shining. 

C.  hexanguldris.  The  flower  is  six  angled,  very  com- 
pact, and  dark  red.  It  is  an  esteemed  •  variety,  and 
there  has  unfortunately  been  another  inferior,  substi- 
tuted for  it,  in  some  of  our  collections.  The  foliage  is 
similar  in  shape  to  anemoniflora,  with  the  nerves  more 
sunk  ;  the  flowers  are  of  an  ordinary  size. 

C.  atro-rubens,  Loddiges'  red,  is  a  very  fine  variety ; 
colour  dark  red  outside,  petals  large  inside,  small  and 
irregular,  forming  a  very  distinct  character ;  foliage 
stiff;  grows  freely  and  flowers  well;  and  of  long  dura- 
tion. We  have  seen  a  flower  stand  fresh  on  the  plant 
two  months ;  however,  that  cannot  be  a  rule,  as  it  de- 
pends on  the  situation. 

C.  anemonifldra,  or  Waratah  (from  the  central  petals, 
having  the  appearance  of  the  Waratah  plant,  Telopia 
speciosissima.}  This  variety  is  very  characteristic,  both 
in  flower  and  foliage.  The  flower  is  dark  crimson, 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  75 

with  five  or  six  regular  large  outside  petals ;  those  of  the 
centre  are  very  small,  and  neatly  plaited,  with  the  stile 
(female  organ)  prominent ;  the  foliage  is  large  and  ob- 
long, nerves  very  smooth,  and  the  wood  strong,  bark 
light  Had  this  kind  not  been  found,  we  would  have 
been  deprived  of  many  most  splendid  varieties,  which 
have  originated  from  it,  and  we  have  no  doubt  they  may 
become  as  diversified  as  the  roses  of  the  garden.  This 
variety  in  a  collection  for  that  alone  is  invaluable.  It 
seeds  freely,  and  the  pollen  of  any  of  the  others  appli- 
ed to  the  style  of  this,  will  produce  a  new  variety, 
which  seldom  fails  of  being  double,  provided  the  pollen 
is  from  a  double  variety.  It  must  be  applied  the  first 
day  that  the  flower  is  expanded,  for  the  flower  is  only 
of  a  few  days'  duration.  Those  that  are  not  acquainted 
with  the  buds  of  this  Camellia,  will  take  them  to  be 
dead,  because,  before  expansion,  they  are  very  dark 
brown. 

C.  dianthiflbra,  or  Knight's  carnation  Waratah,  is,  when 
well  grown,  a  very  beautiful  flower ;  shape  and  size 
same  as  anemoniflora  (and  a  seedling  from  it  by  Mr. 
Knight,  King's  Road,  Chelsea,  London,)  seemingly  the 
stamens  are  crowned  with  small  petals,  red  and  white 
striped,  appearing  like  a  fine  large  carnation.  The 
style  appears  fertile,  and  there  is  no  doubt  but  some 
splendid  varieties  may  be  obtained  from  it. 

C.  blanda,  or  blush  Waratah,  flower  in  shape  similar 
to  anemoniflbra,  rather  larger,  and  of  considerable  dura- 
tion. 

C.pomponia,  or  Kew  blush,  flowers  very  large,  white, 
with  a  tinge  of  blush  at  the  bottom  of  the  petals,  which 


76  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

has  a  good  effect  in  setting  off  the  flower.  They  fre- 
quently bloom  all  blush,  which  appears  rather  curious 
on  the  same  plant ;  shape  one  or  two  rows  of  guard  or 
outside  petals ;  those  of  the  inside  are  short,  stubby, 
and  generally  irregular,  continues  long  in  flower,  yellow 
anthers  among  the  short  petals,  and  seeds  when 
the  female  organ  is  perfect;  foliage  narrower  than  any 
of  the  others,  a  very  fast  grower,  and  flowers  freely. 

C.  pcedniflora.  The  foliage,  shape,  and  size  of  the 
flower  of  this,  is  similar  to  the  last  mentioned,  colour  a 
rich  pink;  we  have  never  seen  any  of  them  vary  from 
this;  and  have  seen  it  seed  very  double. 

C.  Walbankii,  has  a  very  large  white  irregular  flower, 
by  some  called  poppy-flowered.  It  is  not  so  pure  as 
the  common  double  white;  the  anthers  show  amongst 
the  petals,  and  the  buds  before  expansion  are  very 
round,  inclining  to  flatness ;  the  foliage  long  and  shining. 
The  flowers  are  of  considerable  duration.  We  ques- 
tion with  lutea-alba. 

C.  alba-plena,  common  double  white,  is  admired  by 
the  most  casual  observer,  and  is  generally  considered 
a  very  superior  flower,  from  the  purity  of  its  whiteness, 
and  the  abundance  of  its  large  flowers,  which  are 
thickly  and  regularly  set  with  round  petals.  The 
foliage  is  large,  and  the  plant  grows  freely ;  we  have 
seen  one  shoot  grow  two  feet  in  one  summer.  It  was 
imported  into  Europe  from  China,  amongst  the  first  of 
the  varieties,  about  eighty  years  ago. 

C.flavescens,  Lady  Hume's  blush,  and  by  some  called 
buff.  It  is  a  very  double  flower,  and  frequently  hexan- 
gular;  the  bottom  of  the  petals  are  most  delicately 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  77 

tinged  with  blush;  on  looking  into  it,  it  shows  more 
like  a  blush  vapour  than  nature,  and  is  a  great  favour- 
ite, and  deservedly  so,  with  the  ladies :  flowers  and 
grows  freely,  foliage  rhomboid,  elongate,  nerves  very 
visible,^surface  smooth  and  pale  green,  distantly -serrate. 

C.fimbriata.  The  size,  shape,  and  set  of  the  flower 
same  as  alba-plena,  and  the  white  as  pure,  with  the 
edges  of  the  petals  deeply  serrated,  or  rather  fringed ; 
is  equally  as  free  in  flowering  and  growing.  It  is  uni- 
versally admired,  and  in  great  demand.  Its  character 
is  unique,  foliage  very  like  alba-pleno.  [See  Frontispiece.] 

C.  imbricdta,  said  to  be  a  very  double  red,  with  imbri- 
cated petals,  and  very  handsome.  We  have  not  seen 
it  in  flower.  .,..?f 

C.  variagata,  is  one  of  the  old  standard  varieties,  and 
very  much  esteemed.  It  is  striped  with  red  and  white ; 
sometimes  the  ground  is  red,  with  white  streaks  or 
blotches,  and  vice  versa.  The  flower  when  well  grown 
is  large,  and  very  abundant;  foliage  very  fine  dark 
green,  similar  to  single  white.  We  have  had  seed  from 
it.  The  petals  are  regular,  with  the  anthers  showing 
amongst  them ;  the  flower  double,  though  not  so  much 
so  as  many  of  the  others. 

C.  crassinervis.  We  have  not  the  smallest  doubt  but 
this  is  the  same  as  hexangularis,  and  in  confirmation  of 
our  opinion,  we  have  lately  had  the  best  authority  in 
Europe  to  that  effect. 

C.  conchifldra,  shell  flowered,  double,  a  very  hand- 
some shape,  petals  round,  stiff  set,  and  in  the  centre 
quite  erect,  red  with  occasional  splashes  of  white. 


78  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

C.  rubricdulis.  Lady  Campbell's,  very  double,  colour 
very  rich  dark  red,  with  stripes  of  pure  white,  beauti- 
fully contrasted.  The  richness  of  this  flower  is  very 
striking,  and  much  esteemed;  flowers  freely. 

C.  longifolia  is  a  single  red,  the  foliage  is  large,  and 
longer  than  the  generality  of  them. 

C.  chandlrerti)  or  versicolor,  colour  vivid  scarlet  with 
occasional  splashes  of  pure  white;  the  flowers  vary,  and 
are  of  long  duration,  from  six  to  eight  weeks ;  foliage 
large  and  dark  glossy  green. 

C.  aitbnia.  This  variety  is  a  beautiful  specimen  of 
a  single  flower  affording  a  developement  of  the  organ 
of  fructification;  the  petals  are  delicately  penciled, 
and  the  anthers  very  bold,  colour* pink,  and  the  flower 
very  large;  grows  freely,  and,  in  our  opinion,  is  sur- 
passed by  none  of  the  single  sorts,  for  raising  fine  new 
varieties,  if  impregnated  with  the  pollen  from  double 
flowers. 

C.  althceifldrct)  hollyhock-flowered,  is  a  great  beauty, 
with  large  double  dark  red  flowers,  the  veins  are  very 
prominent,  petals  frequently  irregular;  foliage  large, 
and  approaches  to  the  foliage  of  single  red ; '  and  is 
much  esteemed. 

C.  coralRna,  coral-flowered,  a  very  deep  scarlet  dou- 
ble flower,  and  bears  a  high  character. 

C.  insignis,  a  most  splendid  double  flower,  large  dull 
red  colour;  a  very  free  grower,  and  highly  estimated. 

C.  anemoneflora  alba.  Those  that  have  seen  the 
common  anemoneflora  will  be  disappointed  in  the  ap- 
pearance of  this,  not  being  pure  white,  neither  properly 
anemone-flowered,  though  a  very  good  flower,  and 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE-REPOTTING.  79 

very  distinct  from  any  other ;  the  petals  are  irregular, 
anthers  abundant,  shape  resembling  pompone ;  flower 
not  so  large. 

C.  heterophylla.  The  foliage  of  this  varies  very 
much,  a  character  that  none  of  the  others  possess; 
flower  double  red ;  and  merits  a  place  in  collections. 

C.  Woodsii,  flower  fine  double,  rose  colour;  and 
much  has  been  said  in  its  favour. 

C.  bicolor,  a  single  flower,  with  a  rose  ground  and 
white  streaks,  very  pretty,  but  not  so  large  as  many  of 
the  single  ones. 

C.  speciosa  is  a  most  splendid  variety,  has  been  called 
China  striped  Waratah.  The  guard  petals  are  large, 
round,  and  bold;  colour  red  with  stripes  of  white;  the 
centre  is  full  of  small  petals,  (like  anemoneflora^)  and 
spotted ;  the  foliage  large  and  more  heart-shaped  than 
any  of  the  others;  grows  freely,  flower  persistent, 
highly  esteemed,  and  considered  one  of  the  finest  of 
the  coloured  Camellias. 

C.  fulgens,  flower  large,  and  very  bright  double  red, 
approaching  to  C.  atro-rubens,  but  more  brilliant;  foliage 
a  lucid  green,  very  smooth,  young  wood  and  wood 
buds  have  a  red  appearance.  We  have  no  doubt  but 
it  will  seed ;  if  so,  it  will  be  a  first  rate  breeder. 

C.  grandiflora,  a  very  large  single  rich  red  flower,  fo- 
liage very  large ;  a  most  splendid  single  variety,  and 
grows  freely.  It  is  recommended  to  all  who  wish  to 
improve  their  collections  by  raising  new  varieties. 

C.  rosa  sinensis,  a  very  large  double  flower,  colour 
bright  pink,  petals  long  and  full,  a  very  distinct  variety, 


80  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  [MA*CH. 

with  a  beautiful  dark  green  shining  foliage,  grows  and 
flowers  freely,  and  is  highly  esteemed. 

C.  intermedia,  a  very  large  flower,  shape  of  C.  pom- 
ponia,  outside  petals  streaked  to  the  extremity  with  a 
rich  blush,  ground  colour  pure  white,  and  is  in  high 
estimation;  grows  and  flowers  freely.  It  is  in  very 
few  collections  in  Europe,  and  only  in  three  in  the 
United  States. 

C.  rose  Waratdh.  The  description  of  this  flower  is  the 
same  as  anemoneflora,  but  differs  in  colour,  and  being  of 
longer  duration,  the  foliage  is  uncommonly  large. 

C.  Pressii's  invincible.  It  has  been  asserted  that 
it  is  the  same  as  that  known  by  C.  punctata  and  C. 
Pressii.  We  have  not  seen  it  flower,  but  have  seen  a 
drawing  of  it,  the  flower  equally  as  large  as  double  white, 
and  same  shape,  with  the  petals  as  regular ;  the  ground 
colour  brilliant  red,  and  spotted  with  pure  white.  It  is 
one  of  the  newest  varieties,  and  much  valued  for  its 
unique  beauty ;  hence  called  Invincible  ;  foliage  large. 

C.  Rose  Mundii,  is  like  the  garden  rose  of  that  name; 
a  large  flower,  ground  colour  pink  streaked  with  white. 

C.  compdcta  is  a  new  double  white,  petals  and  flower 
not  so  large  as  the  common,  but  more  compact,  and  is 
considered  a  very  fine  variety. 

C.  gloriosa,  is  said  to  be  a  fine  dark  double  red. 

C.  Rossii,  is  said  to  be  a  fine  rich  double  scarlet. 

Callicoma  serratifolia,  the  only  species  and  remarkable 
for  tufted  yellow  heads  of  flowers,  which  come  out  at 
the  axils,  and  continue  from  May  to  July.  The  foliage 
is  ovate  lanceolate,  deeply  serrated,  and  opposite. 


.    • ' 

.         iis**; 

- 

MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  &l 

CarmichcBlia  australis,  the  only  species,  has  very  curi- 
ous foliage,  which  the  lilac  leguminose  flowers  come 
out  off,  and  continue  from  April  to  June. 

Cunonia  capensis,  the  only  species,  and  a  handsome 
shrub,  with  large  pinnated  shining  leaves,  beautifully 
contrasted  by  numerous  dense  elongated  branches  of 
small  white  flowers,  and  twigs  of  a  red  colour,  having 
the  habit  of  a  tropical  more  than  a  Cape  of  Good  Hope 
plant. 

Clethra  arbor ea,  and  C.  arbor ea  variagata,  are  both  fine 
shrubs ;  the  latter  is  preferable ;  leaves  are.  oblong,  ac- 
cuminate,  and  serrated  with  a  gold  edge ;  flowers  white, 
downy,  in  large  branching  racemose  spikes,  and  sweet- 
scented  ;  grows  freely. 

Cotomdsters.  Two  of  this  genus  are  deserving  a  si- 
tuation in  the  Green-house,  C.  denticulate  and  C.  mi- 
crophylla  ;  the  last  is  a  native  of  the  mountainous  dis- 
tricts of  Nepaul,  and  may  prove  hardy ;  the  flowers  are 
white,  small,  and  solitary,  but  in  the  fall  it  is  covered 
with  pretty  red  berries,  and  then  looks  beautiful ;  cul- 
ture very  easy ;  will  grow  in  any  situation. 

Crowea  soligna,  is  amongst  one  of  the  finest  arid 
easiest  cultivated  plants  of  New  South  Wales.  It 
flowers  at  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  colour  pink,  with  five 
petals,  connected  by  entangled  hairs ;  in  flower  from 
April  to  December,  and  frequently  through  the  winter ; 
foliage  lanceolate,  and  a  fine  green.  The  plant  grows 
neat,  and  requires  an  airy  situation ;  drain  the  pots 
well. 

Chorizemas,  about  six  species,  foliage  very  like  some 
varieties  of  the  Holly;  flowers  small  and  papiliona- 
11 


82  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

ceous ;  colour  red  and  yellow ;  though  small,  they  are 
very  neat.  C.  nana  and  C.  ilicifblia  are  amongst  the 
best ;  if  grown  from  seed,  they  will  flower  freely  the 
second  year ;  drain  the  pots  well. 

Cinerarias,  Cape  aster,  about  twelve  belong  to  the 
Green-house.  They  are  herbaceous,  or  half  shrubby, 
soft  wooded  plants.  C.  specibsa,  C.  amelloides,  (now 
called  dgathcea  ccelestus^)  C.  purpurea,  and  C.  landta,  are 
among  the  finest;  flowers  blue  or  yellow;  the  latter  is 
considered  the  handsomest  of  the  genus.  The  exte- 
rior petals  are  bright  purple',  and  the  interior  ones 
white,  and  with  Jl.  ccelestus,  flowers  most  of  the  year ; 
flowers  syngenesious  and  star-like.  The  herbaceous 
species  must  be  treated  as  previously  mentioned  for 
that  kind  of  plants. 

Cistus,  or  Rock  rose.  There  are  above  thirty  spe- 
cies, principally  natives  of  Europe,  consequently  hardy 
there,  and  form  a  great  ornament  to  their  gardens, 
being  very  abundant  and  various  in  flower ;  but  with 
us  they  will  not  stand  the  rigour  of  winter.  We  have 
no  doubt,  however,  but,  through  time,  some  kinds  may 
be  grown  that  will  withstand  the  greatest  cold  of  the 
middle  states ;  they  are  low  shrubby  plants  of  easy  cul- 
tivation. C.  ladaniferus,  C.  monspcliensis,  C.  sdlignus,  C. 
popolifblius,  arid  C.  undulatus,  are  perhaps  the  best; 
the  flowers  are  of  short  duration,  frequently  only  for  one 
day ;  but  the  quantity  makes  up  this  deficiency,  being 
constantly  in  flower  in  May  and  June,  and  sometimes 
flower  again  in  autumn.  C.  creticus  is  most  productive 
of  the  Gum  laudanum,  which  is  secreted  about  its 
leaves  and  branches.  The  flowers  are  generally  five- 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  33 

petaled,  and  sonrfe  of  them  large ;  centre  full  of  sta- 
mens ;  the  foundation  of  the  natural  order  Cistinea. 

Clematis,  Virgin's  Bower.  There  are  only  six,  of 
these  belonging  to  this,  all  climbing  plants.  C.  aristdta 
and  C.  brachiata  are  the  best;  flowers  in  racemose 
clusters,  pure  white ;  foliage  small ;  and  natives  of  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope.  The  foliage  of  C.  aristdta  is 
cordate  and  blotched. 

Cobcea  scdndens,  the  only  species.  It  is  a  climber  of 
very  rapid  growth,  has  been  known  to  grow  above 
two  hundred  feet  in  one  summer;  large  bell-shaped 
flowers;  when  they  are  newly  expanded,  they  are  of  a 
pale  green  colour,  and  change  to  dark  purple;  will 
grow  in  the  garden  during  summer,  bearing  a  con- 
tinual profusion  of  flowers,  but  will  not  stand  frost. 
When  this  plant  becomes  too  large  in  the  house,  do 
not  cut  it  close  to  the  root,  except  there  is  a  young 
shoot  arising  to  carry  off  the  superabundant  sap,  for 
the  old  wood  will  not  push,  which  will  soon  cause  a 
mortification. 

The  best  method  to  adopt  in  such  case  is  to  turn 
back  a  shoot,  and  lay  it  in  the  ground  to  root,  when  it 
will  become  a  young  plant;  which  should  always  be 
done  as  soon  as  it  appears  unsightly.  It  does  best  to 
be  planted  in  the  ground,  but  will  not  give  any  satisfac- 
tion as  to  flowering  in  a  pot.  It  will  flower  as  an  an- 
nual if  sown  in  pots  this  month,  and  placed  in  a  warm 
room  or  hot-bed,  and  planted  into  the  garden  about 
the  end  of  May. 

Coronillas,  a  very  few  are  fine  species  in  the  Green- 
house. C.  glauca  is  a  celebrated  plant  amongst  us,  as 


84  GREENHOUSE— REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

a  free  and  early  flowering  shrub.  C.  vakntiana  and  C. 
vimindlis  are  equally  so,  flower  from  April  to  June,  co- 
lour yellow ;  papilionaceous  flowers  in  clusters ;  agree 
best  with  shade.  In  summer  they  ought  to  be  kept 
behind  a  fence,  or  under  a  tree,  as  the  sun  would  de- 
stroy them  in  a  few  weeks.  Drain  the  pots  well. 

Corrects,  five  species,  all  very  pretty  dwarf  shrubs, 
and  flower  profusely ;  foliage  ovate,  cordate,  and 
either  rusty  or  downy  beneath.  C.  alba  and  C.  rufa 
have  both  white  flowers  a  little  tubular.  C.pulchella  is 
a  very  handsome  erect  growing  plant,  flowers  large 
and  tubular,  of  a  deep  pink  colour,  and  grows  freely  : 
it  is  thought  the  finest  of  the  genus.  C.  speciosa  has 
been  long  admired  as  a  splendid  free  flowering  plant ; 
flowers  same  shape  as  C.  pulchella,  but  not  so  large ; 
colour  red  and  yellowish  green.  C.  virens  is  a  very  free 
grower,  flowers  same  shape  as  the  two  last,  colour  en- 
tirely green.  These  three  last  mentioned  are  abundant 
flowerers,  having  a  continued  succession  from  No- 
vember to  June,  possessing  the  valuable  requisite  of 
flowering  through  the  winter,  and  ought  to  fce  in  every 
collection.  They  require  an  airy  situation,  and  the 
pots  to  be  well  drained.  The  plants  in  summer  must 
not  be  fully  exposed  to  the  sun. 

Cratagus.  There  are  none  of  these  belonging  to  the 
Green-house ;  but  there  is  a  plant  in  the  collections, 
known  as  C.  glabra,  which  is  Photinia  senulata,  a  native 
of  China,  and  is  a  very  handsome  plant,  has  long  foliage, 
deeply  serrated,  very  shining.  P.  arbutifolia,  a  native  of 
California,  and  is  the  finest  of  the  genus ;  flowers  in 
large  dense  panicles,  foliage  larger  than  the  former,  and 


[MARCH.         •   r'     GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  85 

not  so  deeply  serrated ;  they  ar£  both  comparatively 
hardy,  and  we  soon  expect  to  see  them  acclimated. 

Cupressus  may  be  desired  in  collections,  as  erect  and 
handsome  growing  evergreen  shrubs.  O.  lasit&nica^  the 
famed  cedar  of  Goa;  C..pendula  and  C.  juniper oides  are 
the-most  desirable ;  flowers  are  insignificant,  and  yel- 
lowish ;  we  have  no  doubt  they  may*  prove  hardy.  C. 
lusitdnica  is  the  handsomest  tree  of  the  genus.  Its 
abundant,  very  long  dichotomous  branchlets,  distin- 
guish it  from  all  the  evergreens  of  the  conoferious 
tribe. 

Caldmpelis  scdbra,  once  Eccremocdrpus  scdber,  is  a  very 
fine  climber,  where  there  is  a  convenience  to  plant  it  in 
the  ground.  It  will  flower  profusely  from  March  to  No- 
vember; foliage  pinnate,  with  tendrils;  flowers  from  the 
axils  on  young  shoots  in  a  kind  of  racemose,  and  of  a 
golden  colour ;  grows  freely. 

,  Celdstris,  staff-tree,  about  twenty-five  species ;  of  no 
particular  beauty.  Some  of  them  haye  numerous  small 
white  flowers,  in  cymes  and  panicles;  foliage  generally 
ovate,  acute,  and  serrated.  *C.  pyracdntha,  C.  cymosa, 
C.  multiflbrus,  and  C.  lucidus,  are  the  most  conspicuous, 
and  all  the  genera  are  of  easy  culture. 

CooJcia  punctata,  Wampee-tree  of  China,  named  in 
honour  of  the  celebrated  Capt.  Cook.  The  fruit  is 
much  esteemed  in  China,  where  it  grows  to  about  the 
size  of  a  walnut,  in  bunches;  leaves  pinnate,  ovate, 
lanceolate,  accuminate ;  when  rubbed,  have  a  strong 
odour ;  flower  small  white  in  racemose  spikes,  of  slow 
growth. 

C.  allistachys.  There  are  two  of  them  very  handsome 


36  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.         [MARCH. 

large  growing  shrubs.  C.  lanceolata  and  C.  ovdta, 
foliage  silky-like,  and  light  coloured;  flowers  yellow, 
papilionaceous,  and  very  abundant. 

Daviesias,  above  ten  species,  principally  natives  of 
New  South  Wales,  all  yellow  papilionaceous  flowers. 
D.  ulidna,  D.  latifblia,  D.  aciculdris,  and  D.  inricssdta,  are 
very  fine  species,  flower  and  grow  freely,  and  require 
to  be  well  drained ;  bloom  from  April  to  August. 

Diosmas.  This  genus  is  now  very  much  divided,  and 
only  contains  about  thirteen  species :  the  generas  that 
they  have  been  given  to,  are  Adenandra,  Barosma,  Ac- 
madenia,  and  Agathosma.  We  will  enumerate  a  few  of 
the  finest  species  of  each.  D.  capitata,  D.  oppositifolia, 
D.  longifblia,  D.  rubra,  and  Z).  teretifblia,  are  the  most 
conspicuous,  all  small  white  flowers  except  Z).  rubra ; 
foliage  small,  and  all  handsome  growing  evergreens. 

Adenandras,  eight  species.  This  genus  is  the  most 
select  of  those  that  have  been  subdivided.  A.  specibsa, 
A.  umbelldta,  A.  alba,  A.  fragrans,  and  A.  uniflbra,  are 
all  splendid  flowers :  and  all  white  except  A.  fragrdns, 
which  is  red.  Pots  must  be  well  drained. 

Barosmas,  above  ten  species.  B.  serratifblia^  B. 
pulchelkij  purple,  B.faticKmma,  blush,  B.  odordta,  white, 
and  B.  dioica,  pink,  are  the  finest. 

Acmadenias,  five  species.  A.  lavigata,  A.  pungens, 
and  A.  tetragbnia,  blush,  are  good  species. 

Agathosmas,  above  twenty-five  species,  many  of  them 
very  celebrated  free  flowering  shrubby  plants.  A.  ac- 
cuminata,  A.  hybrida,  A,  Thunbergiana,  A.  imbricata,  A. 
prolifera,  A.  patula,  and  A.  pulchella,  which  is  the  finest 
of  the  genus,  the  dried  leaves  of  which  the  Hottentots 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  37 

use  as  powder  to  mix  with  the  grease  with  which 
they  anoint  their  bodies.  Some  travellers  assert 
that  it  gives  them  so  rank  an  odour,  that  they  some- 
times could  not  bear  the  smell  of  those  who  were  their 
guides.  In  fact  the  foliage  of  all  the  five  last  mention- 
ed generas,  if  rubbed  by  the  hand  while  on  the  plant,  has 
a  very  strong  smell,  some  of  them  very  agreeable,  others 
disagreeable.  They  are  all  heath-like  and  evergreen 
small  neat  growing  shrubs.  They  require  while  growing 
luxuriantly  to  have  their  young  shoots  topped  to  make 
them  bushy ;  drain  all  the  pots  well,  and  keep  them  in 
airy  situations,  and  not  crowded  with  other  plants,  or 
they  will  become  slender  and  unsightly. 

Drydndras.  This  genus  is  closely  allied  in  character 
and  habits  to  Banksia,  and  contains  above  sixteen 
species.  D.  nivea,  has  a  most  beautiful  foliage,  very 
long  and  deeply  indented.  D./ormosa,  has  a  scent  like 
the  fruit  of  an  Apricot.  D.  nervosa,  D.  floribunda,  D. 
armata,  D.  plumosa,  D.  Baxteri,  D.  nervosa,  and  D.  fal- 
cdta,  are  the  most  conspicuous,  and  all  highly  desirable 
plants  in  collections.  They  are  very  delicate  of  importa- 
tion ;  flowers  are  straw  and  orange  coloured  and  thistle- 
like.  Seeds  in  small  cones.  Treat  them  the  same  as 
directed  for  Bdnksias. 

DilltuyniaS)  above  twelve  species,  and  plants  very  little 
known.  D.  floribunda,  D.  teretifblia,  and  D.  phylicoides, 
are  desirable  plants ;  flowers  small,  papilionaceous,  and 
colour  yellow.  They  are  very  liable  to  suffer  from  too 
much  wet ;  while  dormant,  therefore,  the  pots  must  be 
effectually  drained. 

Dampibras,  four  species.    The  genus  is  named  in  ho- 


88  GREEN-HOtJSE— REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

«  • 

nour  of  Captain  W.  Dampier,  a  famous  voyager,  has 
Lobelia-like  flowers,  either  blue  or  purple.  C.  purpurea, 
C.  mdulata,  and  C.  stricta,  are  the  finest;  the  two  former 
are  shrubby ;  the  latter  is  herbaceous  ;  they  all  flower 
freely. 

Edwdrdsias,  about  four  species,  very  beautiful  foliaged 
plants,  and  have  very  curious  yellow  flowers,  but  do 
not  flower  until  the  plant  becomes  large.  E.  grandi- 
flora,  E.  chrysbphylla,  and  E.  meirophylla,  are  the  best, 
and  are  tolerably  hardy,  though  doubtful  of-  ever 
being  acclimated.  The  flowers  are  leguminose,  foliage 
ovate,  pinnate,  from  eight  to  forty  on  one  footstalk,  and 
appears  to  be  covered  with  gold  dust.  The  hardier  they 
are  grown,  the  more  visible,  it  will  appear. 

Elichrysums.  This  genus  is  now  extinct,  and  two  splen- 
did species  of  k  given  to  others.  E.proliferum  is  now 
Phcendcoma prolifara,  and  has  beautiful  purple  everlasting 
rayed  flowers,  and  highly  esteemed  :  the  foliage  round, 
ovate,  smooth,  and  closely  imbricated.  E.  spectdbile  is 
now  dphekxis  humilis,  has  pine-like  foliage,  and  large 
light  purple  flowers  and  everlasting;  care  must  be  taken 
that  they  are  not  over  watered ;  drain  the  pots  well. 

'Enkidnthus,  only  two  species,  both  very  fine.  E.  quin- 
qucflbrus  has  large  ovate  accuminate  foliage,  flowers 
pink,  and  pendulous ;  very  handsome.  E.  reticuldtus,  the 
foliage  is  netted,  and  the  flowers  blush ;  they  are  liable 
when  dormant  to  suffer  from  wet.  Be  sure  to  drain  the 
pots  well,  and  sparing  in  water  while  in  that  state. 

Epdcris,  above  twelve  species,  and  all  very  ornament- 
al. E.  grandiflora  has  been  celebrated  ever  since  it 
was  known;  the  foliage  is  small,  flat,  and  accuminate; 


4 
* 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  89 

flowers  tubular  and  pendulous,  bright  crimson,  with  a 
tinge  of  white,  and  very  abundant,  in  flower  from  Janu- 
ary to  June.  E.pulchella  ig  likewise  a  most  beautiful  plant; 
foliage  very  small  and  closely  set,  flowers  pure  white,  and 
in  long  spikes,  sweet-scented.  E.  impressa,  foliage  im- 
pressed, and  flowers  rose-coloured.  E.  paludbsa,  flowers 
white,  and  grows  very  handsomely.  E.purpurdscens  rubra 
is  a  good  variety,  with  bright  red  flowers.  They  are  most- 
ly erect  growing  plants ;  flower  from  March  till  June,  and 
a  rough,  turfy,  sandy  soil  is  found  most  congenial. 
They  are  natives  of  the  mountainous  districts  of  New 
South  Wales.  The 'pots  must  be  well  drained;  the 
roots  will  run  with  avidity  amongst  the  potshreds. 

Ericas,  heath.  There  are  in  cultivation  in  Europe 
above  five  hundred  and  fifty  species  and  varieties  of 
this  magnificent  genus.  About  sixty  years  ago  it  con- 
sisted only  of  a  few  humble  British  plants,  with  the 
heath  of  Spain,  E.  Mediterranea,  which  is  at  present 
most  common  in  our  collections,  though  in  a  few  years 
we  may  expect  to  see  it  supplanted  by  others  more 
splendid. 

In  their  native  countries,  they  are  adapted  to-  a 
great  many  useful  purposes.  In  the  north  of  Britain, 
the  poorer  inhabitants  cover  their  cabins  or  huts  with 
heath,  and  build  the  walls  with  alternate  layers  of  it 
and  a  kind  of  cement  made  with  straw  and  clay. 
They  likewise  brew  ale,  and  distil  a  hot  spirit  from 
the  tender  shoots ;  and  it  has  been  known  to  be  used 
in  dyeing,  tanning,  and  many  other  useful  domestic 
purposes.  Encomium  on  their  beauty  is  not  requisite; 

12 


90  GREEN-HOUSE-^ REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

they  are  almost  as  diversified  in  colour  as  colour  it- 
self. Many  are  graceful,  and  most  elegant ;  hundreds 
are  pretty;  a  few  noble  and  splendid;  others  grotesque, 
curious,  and  odoriferous.  To  cultivate  and  propagate 
them  is  one  of  the  most  delicate  branches  of  horticul- 
ture. Nevertheless,  it  has  been  said  by  a  scientific 
writer,  that  "  those  who  complain  of  the  difficulty  of 
growing  the  heath  are  ignorant  people  who  have  never 
had  a  heath  to  grow."  The  most  splendid  collection 
in  Europe  is  under  the  care  of  Mr.  M'Nab,  of  the 
Royal  Botanic  Garden,  Edinburgh,  where  there  are 
two  large  houses  devoted  to  their  culture;  and  through 
the  whole  year  a  continued  profusion  of  bloom  is  kept 
up.  Some  of  the  plants  are  six  feet  in  diameter,  and 
twelve  feet  high.  The  soil  used  is  a  coarse  sandy 
peat.  Pots  drained  with  potshreds,  and  pieces  of  free- 
stone, are  put  down  the  sides  of  the  large  pots  and  tubs : 
where  these  can  be  had  they  are  essential  to  the  cul- 
ture of  mountainous  plants,  preventing  them  from 
being  saturated  with  moisture,  or  from  becoming  dry, 
they  being  retentive  of  moisture,  thus  keeping  the  roots 
in  a  medium  state ;  for  if  once  the  roots  are  allowed  to 
get  thoroughly  dried,  no  art  of  the  gardener  can  reco- 
ver them.  This  may  be  the  true  reason  why  they  are 
said  to  be  difficult  of  cultivation. 

In  the  summer  season  the  pots  must  be  kept  out  of 
the  sun,  for  in  a  few  hours  the  pot  would  become  heat- 
ed, dry  the  roots,  and  cause  death,  or  a  brownness  of 
foliage  which  would  never  again  become  natural. 
Too  much  fire  heat  will  hurt  them.  They  only  re- 
quire to  be  kept  free  from  frost,  need  a  great  deal  of 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE.— REPOTTING.  gj 

air  and  plenty  of  light ;  consequently,  should  be  placed 
near  the  glass,  that  they  may  have  the  benefit  of  all 
the  air  that  is  admitted.  Their  flowers  are  as  varied 
in  shape  as  variety  or  colour,  but  they  all  partake  of  a 
wax-like  nature,  and  are  very  persistent.  For  the 
finest  and  most  select  varieties,  see  the  catalogue  at 
the  end  of  this  work. 

Erbdiums,  Heron's  bill.  There  are  about  thirty  species, 
all  of  a  Geranium  character,  and  there  are  among  them 
some  very  pretty  flowering,  soft  wooded,  shrubby,  herba- 
ceous, and  annual  plants.  Only  a  few  of  them  belong  to 
the  Green-house,  of  which  E.  incarnatum,  E.  crassifblium, 
and  E.  lacinidtum,  are  the  finest;  culture  similar  to  Gera- 
nium. The  flowers  of  these  are  scarlet,  pentapetalous, 
and  veiny. 

Eucalyptus,  above  fifty  species  of  them,  and  the  tallest 
growing  trees  of  New  Holland;  foliage  very  diversified, 
generally  of  a  hard  glaucous  texture.  From  their  rapid 
growth,  they  soon  grow  higher  than  the  loftiest  house. 
The  most  conspicuous  are  E.  corddta,  £.  rostrdta,  E. 
radiata,  E.  pulvigera,  E.  glbbifera,  E.pulverulenta,  and  E. 
resinefera.  In  Van  Dieman's  Land,  a  manufactory 
has  been  established,  where  a  tannin  is  extracted  from 
many  of  the  species.  The  last  mentioned  produces 
gum,  like  that  which  the  druggists  call  Kino.  They 
ought  not  to  be  too  much  fostered,  as  it  would  in  some 
degree  retard  their  growth.  They  are  of  a  very  hardy 
nature.  When  large,  the  plants  will  flower  freely,  and 
are  similar  in  flower  to  Myrtle ;  many  stamina  proceed- 
ing from  a  hard  nut-like  capsule. 

Eupatbrium.  There  is  only  one  species  deserving  of 


92  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING, 

cultivation  in  the  Green-house ;  flowers  syngenesibus, 
white,  and  in  large  flattened  panicles;  very  sweet-scent- 
ed. The  plant,  when  growing  freely,  in  the  beginning 
of  summer,  should  be  topped,  which  would  make  it 
more  bushy;  if  not,  it  is  apt  to  grow  straggling.  Known 
as  E.  clegdns,  in  our  collections. 

Eutdxicfs,  two  species.  E.  myrtifblia  is  a  most  beau- 
tiful free-flowering  evergreen  shrub ;  foliage  small,  but 
very  neat ;  flowers  leguminose,  small,  and  very  many ; 
colour  yellow  and  red;  grows  freely.  The  young  plants 
should  be  frequently  topped,  or  they  will  grow  naked  and 
unsightly.  E.  pungens,  similar  to  the  other  except  in 
foliage.  They  flower  from  March  to  June,  and  ought 
to  have  a  place  in  every  Green-house.  Culture  very 
easy. 

Euchllus  obcorddtus  is  the  only  species:  Flowers  simi- 
lar to  Eutdxia;  foliage  almost  unique,  being  inverse, 
cordate  ;  time  of  flowering  from  March  to  June. 

Fuchsias,  Ladies'  ear  drop.  About  twelve  species. 
Several  of  them  elegant  and  handsome  shrubs.  F.  mr- 
gdta  and  F.  cbnica  are  the  most  splendid  of  deciduous 
Green-house  shrubs;  the  nerves  of  the  leaves  and  young 
wood  of  the  former  are  tinged  with  purplish  red  ;  the 
large  pendant  flowers  which  are  produced  from  the 
axils  of  the  leaves  of  the  young  wood  continue  during 
the  growing  season.  F.  cbnica  grows  strong,  foliage 
green,  flowers  pendant,  corolla  more  spreading  than 
the  other,  and  when  in  flower  is  a  complete  mass  of 
scarlet  blossoms.  It  flowers  all  summer.  F.  coccinea  is 
a  common  and  celebrated  plant,  and  deservedly  so.  F. 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE-REPOTTING.  93 

. '"' .-+    '  *   *  t  '••; 

microphylla  is  a  neat  growing,  small  flowering  species. 
F.  arbor ea,  has  very  large  foliage,  and  rose  coloured 
flowers ;  a  scarce  species,  but  very  desirable.  F.  grd- 
cilis  and  F.  thymifblia,  are  both  fine;  most  of  the  flpwers 
are  a  bright  scarlet,  the  stamens  are  encircled  with  a 
petal  of  bright  purple,  and  are  of  very  curious  construc- 
tion; they  bear  a  dark  purple  berry,  and  are  of  the 
easiest  cultivation,  but  during  summer  they  must  be 
carefully  kept  in  the  shade. 

Gelsemium  nltidum,  Carolina  jessamine,  a  most  beau- 
tiful climbing  evergreen,  flowering  shrub.  In  the  months 
of  April  and  May,  it  produces  many  large  yellow  trum- 
pet-like blossoms  of  delicious  fragrance.  If  much 
fostered  in  growth,  it  will  not  flower  so  freely. 

Gnaphalium,  everlasting.  This  genus  has  got  all  the 
beautiful  Cape  species  taken  out  of  it,  and  given  to 
Astelma  and  Helichrysum.  Of  Astelma  there  are  above 
ten  species,  most  of  them  very  splendid,  everlasting 
flowers.  A.  eximia  has  brilliant  red  flowers.  A.  spira- 
US)  A.  speciosissimct)  A.  fruticans,  and  A.  imbricatum,  are 
all  very  fine ;  pots  must  be  well  drained. 

Helychrysums,  above  forty  species,  chiefly  belonging 
to  the  Green-house,  all  everlasting  flowers.  H.  gran- 
diflbrum,  H.  arbbreum,  H.  orientale,  H.  frdgrans,  H.  ado- 
raiissimum,  H.fruticans,  and  H.  fulgidum,  are  all  very 
esteemed  species,  mostly  soft  white  foliage.  The  pots 
should  be  well  drained,  and  the  plants  kept  in  an  airy 
situation,  as  they  suffer  from  the  least  damp.  If  the 
flowers  are  cut  off  before  they  fade,  they  will  retain  for 
many  years  all  the  splendour  of  their  beauty;  but  if 


94  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING. 

allowed  to  decay  on  the  plant,  they  will  soon  become 
musty,  and  all  their  colour  fade. 

Gompholbbiums,  a  genus  of  very  pretty  delicate  plants, 
all  papilionaceous;  flowers  generally  yellow  with  a 
little  red;  foliage  very  variable.  G.  barbigerum,  G.  poll- 
morfum,  G.  latifolium,  G.  grandiflbrum,  and  G.  venustum, 
are  fine,  the  pots  must  be  well  drained,  and  care  taken 
that  they  are  not  over  watered ;  they  grow  freely. 

Genistas:  a  few  of  these  are  very  pretty  free  flowering 
shrubs.  G.  canariensis,  G.  tricuspiddta,  G.  cuspiddsa,  and 
G.  umbelldta,  are  the  finest  Green-house  species.  All 
of  them  have  yellow  leguminose  flowers  in  great  abun- 
dance; leaves  small,  lanceolate. 

GmdiaS)  about  ten  species  of  pretty  Green-house 
shrubs.  G.  simplex,  G.  sericea,  G.  imberbis,  and  G.  pirn- 
fblia,  flower  the  most  freely ;  flowers  straw  colour,  tubu- 
lar, and  corymbose.  G.  simplex  is  sweet-scented,  leaves 
small ;  the  pots  must  be  well  drained,  and  care  taken 
that  they  do  not  get  either  too  wet  or  too  dry,  for  the 
roots  are  very  delicate.  The  plants  must  be  kept  near 
the  glass,  or  they  will  be  drawn  weak. 

Goodenia,  a  genus  of  about  twelve  species,  with  cor- 
date, serate,  alternate  foliage.  G.  stelligera,  and  G.  sudveo- 
lens  are  sweet-scented;  G.  ovata  and  G.grandifldra  are  the 
best.  They  are  principally  small  shrubs,  with  terminale 
or  axillary  flowers,  and  flower  during  summer. 

Gort&ria  persondta  is  the  only  species  that  belongs  to 
this  genus,  and  is  an  annual.  There  are  several  plants 
in  our  collections  known  as  Gorterias,  but  which  pro- 
perly are  Gazania,  of  which  there  are  five  species.  G. 
when  the  flowers  are  fully  expanded,  (which 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE-REPOTTING.  95 

will  only  be  while  exposed  to  the  sun,  closing  at  night, 
and  opening  again  with  the  influence  of  the  sun's  rays,) 
is  a  great  beauty.  The  rays  of  the  flowers  are  bright 
orange,  and  the  centre  dark  purple.  G.  pavonia  has 
handsome  foliage ;  flower  similar  to  G.  ringens,  except 
the  centre  of  the  flower  being  spotted,  and  is  thought 
to  be  the  finest,  but  does  not  flower  so  freely.  G.  hcte- 
rophylla  is  of  the  same  character,  except  the  foliage, 
which  is  variable,  the  colour  orange  and  vermilion. 
They  are  half  shrubby  dwarf  growing  plants,  and  during 
the  months  of  July,  August,  and  September,  are  liable 
to  damp  off  at  the  surface  of  the  earth,  from  the  action 
of  heat,  and  too  much  water.  Pots  must  be  well  drain- 
ed, and  the  plants  kept  partially  in  the  shade.  Their 
flowers  are  syngenesious,  and  about  two  inches  in 
diameter. 

Grevilleas,  about  thirty  species.  A  few  of  them  very 
handsome  in  flower  and  foliage,  among  which  are  G. 
punicea  ;  G.  acanthi/olid,  (beautiful  foliage) ;  G.  concinna, 
very  pretty  straw  and  rose-coloured  flowers ;  G.  juni- 
perina,  green  and  straw-coloured;  G.  linearis,  white 
flowers.  The  flowers  of  the  whole  are  curious,  though 
not  very  attractive.  Some  carry  their  flowers  in  race- 
mose spikes,  others  on  flowering  branches,  which  are 
recurved ;  the  petals  are  very  small  and  rugged ;  the 
stile  longer  than  the  appendage.  They  grow  freely, 
flower  and  ripen  seeds;  all  evergreen  dwarf  shrubs. 

Hakeas,  about  forty  species,  not  generally  so  in- 
teresting or  attractive  as  the  last  genus ;  flowers  all 
white ;  construction  similar  to  Grevillea,  but  the  foliage 
more  varied.  H.  gibbosa,  H.  nitida,  H.  saligna,  H.  sua- 


96  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

veokns,  sweet-scented,  H.  conculdta,  and  H.  lamberti,  are 
the  best,  and  afford  a  curious  variety  of  foliage ; 
flower  in  June.  Drain  the  pots  well. 

Hemerocdllis,  Day  Lily.  Only  H.  specibsa  of  this 
genus  belongs  to  the  Green-house ;  the  flower  is  spa- 
cious, and  of  copper  colour.  A  native  of  Jamaica.  It 
has  not  found  its  way  into  our  collections.  It  is  herba- 
ceous, and  while  growing  requires  much  water,  The 
plant  known  with  us  as  H.  japonica  is  now  Funkia  alba, 
(and  justly,  for  the  most  superficial  observer  could 
have  distinguished  it  as  not  belonging  to  Hemerocdllis.) 
It  requires  to  be  much  fostered  to  flower  well,  and 
plenty  of  water.  If  properly  treated,  it  is  a  magnificent 
flower,  and  continues  flowering  from  July  to  Septem- 
ber. We  doubt  not  it  may  prove  a  hardy  herbaceous 
plant,  (the  same  as  F.  cosrulea^)  if  protected  during  the 
first  winter, 

Hermdnnias,  a  genus  of  about  forty  species,  all  na- 
tives of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  not  worth  culti- 
vating. They  have  yellow  cup-like  flowers,  and  are  of 
the  easiest  cultivation.  Several  species  are  in  our  col- 
lections. 

Hibbertias,  about  ten  species.  Three  of  them  are 
very  fine  climbing  evergreen  shrubs,  viz.  H.  glossularice- 
folia;  H.  dcntdta;  H.  volubilis,  if  closely  approached 
has  a  disagreeable  smell;  H.  fasciculdta,  H.  saligna, 
and  H.  pedunculdta,  are  evergreen  shrubs ;  they  have 
pure  yellow  flowers  of  five  petals,  blooming  from  May 
to  September. 

Habrdnthus,  about  ten  species  of  small  South  Ameri- 
can bulbs,  nearly  allied  to  Amaryllis.  H.  dndersoniL 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  97 

H.  versicolor,  and  H.  robusta  are  the  finest ;  they  are  in 
colour  yellow,  blue,  and  lilac.  We  have  very  little 
doubt  but  these  bulbs  will  do  to  plant  out  in  the  gar- 
den in  April,  and  be  lifted  in  October.  Keep  them 
from  frost.  Thus  treated,  they  are  very  desirable 
bulbs. 

Hoveas,  about  eight  species,  pretty  plants  of  New 
South  Wales,  blue  pea-flowering  evergreen  shrubs; 
the  finest  are  H.  linearis,  H.  rosmarinifblia,  H.  longi/olia, 
and  H.  Celsii,  which  is  the  most  superb,  and  flowers  in 
abundance.  They  grow  and  flower  freely;  the  pots 
should  be  drained. 

Hydrangea  hortensis  is  a  well  known  plant,  and  much 
esteemed  for  its  great  profusion  of  very  elegant,  though 
monstrous,  flowers.  They  are  naturally  of  a  rose  co- 
lour, but  under  certain  circumstances  of  culture  they 
become  blue.  If  grown  in  brown  loam  with  a  little 
sand,  they  will  preserve  their  original  colour;  but  if 
grown  in  swamp  earth  with  a  little  mould  of  decayed 
leaves,  they  will  become  blue.  The  swamp  earth  zyld 
vegetable  mould  being  more  combined  with  aluminous 
salt  than  brown  loam,  is  the  cause  of  the  change;  and, 
when  first  found  out,  (which  was  merely  by  chance,) 
was  thought  a  great  wonder.  It  must  have  a  very 
plentiful  supply  of  water  when  in  flower,  which  is  pro- 
duced on  the  shoots  of  the  previous  year.  They  will 
neither  grow  nor  flower  well  if  they  are  not  kept  con- 
stantly in  the  shade.  When  kept  in  the  sun,  the  foli- 
age is  very  brown ;  and  by  being  neglected  in  watering, 
we  have  seen  the  flowers  completely  scourged.  Being 
tolerably  hardy,  when  the  winters  are  mild,  by  a  little 
13 


98  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

protection  in  the  open  air,  they  will  flower  profusely ; 
the  flowers  will  be  very  large,  and  in  bloom  from  June 
to  October.  They  are  deciduous,  soft  wooded  shrubs. 

Hypericums,  St.  John's  wort,  about  twenty  species. 
A  few  of  them  are  very  showy,  and  with  few  excep- 
tions have  yellow  flowers.  H.  monogynum,  H.  baleari- 
cum,  H.  floribundum,  H.  canariense,  H.  cegyptlacum,  and 
H.  cochinchinense,  which  has  scarlet  flowers,  are  amongst 
the  best,  and  all  of  them  flower  freely ;  five  petals,  fila- 
ments many  in  three  or  five  parcels.  They  are  all  of 
very  easy  cultivation,  and  bloom  generally  from  April 
to  September. 

Ilex,  Holly,  of /.  aquifoKum.  There  are  above  one 
hundred  species  of  them  in  cultivation  in  Europe,  dif- 
fering in  variegation,  margin,  shape,  and  size  of  the 
leaves ;  some  are  only  prickly  on  the  margin  of  the  fo- 
liage, others  prickly  over  all  the  surface.  In  Europe 
they  are  all  hardy,  but  with  us  few  or  none  of  the  vari- 
eties are  so.  If  they  become  acclimated,  they  will  be  a 
great  ornament  to  our  gardens,  being  all  low  evergreen 
shrubs.  The  most  common  and  conspicuous  varieties 
are  the  hedgehog,  striped  hedgehog,  white  edged,  gold  edged, 
and  painted ;  the  flowers  are  white  and  small,  berries 
yellow  or  red;  they  do  not  agree  with  exposure  to  the 
sun.  J.  Cassine  and  /.  vomitbria  have  very  bitter 
leaves,  and,  though  natives  of  Carolina,  we  have  to  give 
them  the  protection  of  a  Green-house.  It  is  said  that 
at  certain  seasons  of  the  year  the  Indians  make  a  strong 
decoction  of  the  leaves,  which  makes  them  vomit  freely, 
and  after  drinking  and  vomiting  for  a  few  days,  they 
consider  themselves  sufficiently  purified. 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HQUSE— REPOTTING.  99 

lUiciums,  Aniseed-tree,  three  species.  /.  floriddnum, 
has  very  sweet-scented,  double  purple  flowers,  and  the 
plant  grows  freely  and  systematically  if  properly  treated, 
and  deserves  the  attention  of  the  admirers  of  flowers. 
/.  parviflbrum  has  small  yellow  flowers ;  /.  anisatum  is  so 
very  like  /.  parviflorum  in  every  respect,  as  to  make  us 
conclude  they  are  the  same,  were  /.  anisatum  not  a  na- 
tive of  China,  and  the  other  two  natives  of  Florida. 
When  the  leaves  arid  capsules  of  either  of  them  are 
rubbed,  they  have  a  very  strong  smell  of  anise ; — they 
grow  very  freely. 

Indigofera  ;  Indigo-tree,  about  twenty  species,  belong 
to  the  Green-house,  and  are  chiefly  pretty  free  flower- 
ing shrubs.  /.  denudata,  I.  amcena,  I.  australis,  I.  angulata, 
I.  candicans,  and  /.  filifolia,  are  very  fine ;  flowers  papi- 
lionaceous, in  long  panicles  ;  colour  various,  red,  blue, 
yellow,  and  pink. 

Isopogons,  about  ten  species  of  Protea-\ike  plants,  all 
natives  of  New  Holland.  They  are  very  stiff  shrubs, 
with  leaves  very  much  divided,  and  cone-like  flowers 
at  the  extremity  of  the  shoots.  Lformbsus,  I.  anemoni- 
fblius,  L  attenudtis,  and  /.  polycephalis,  are  the  finest ; 
flowers  are  straw,  lilac,  white,  and  yellow  coloured ; 
the  pots  must  be  well  drained,  and  the  plants  not  over- 
crowded. 

Jmticias.  Only  a  few  of  these  belong  to  the  Green- 
house, and  are  very  simple  looking  flowers.  The  most 
beautiful  of  them  belong  to  the  Hot-house.  /.  mgricans, 
small  striped  flower;  J.  orchioides  and  J.  Adhatoda,  Mala- 
nut,  are  the  only  ones  that  are  worth  observation, 
and  are  very  easily  cultivated.  /.  Mhatoda  has  good 


J  00  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING,  [MARCH, 

looking  foliage,  but  does  not  flower  until  the  plant  be- 
comes large ;  colour  white  and  light  purple. 

Jacksonias.  A  genus  consisting  of  five  species. 
The  foliage  is  varied,  and  all  natives  of  New  South 
Wales.  /.  scopdria  is  similar  to  a  plant  in  our  collec- 
tions, called  Vimenotria  denudata.  J.  horrida,  and  /.  reticu- 
Idta,  are  the  finest ;  the  small  flowers  come  out  of  the 
young  shoots,  are  yellow  and  papilionaceous ;  the  pots 
should  be  well  drained. 

Kennedias,  about  nine  species,  all  evergreen  climbers, 
of  the  easiest  culture,  and  flower  abundantly.  K.  mono- 
phylla,  blue  flowered,  and  K.  rubicunda,  crimson  flower- 
ed, are  common  in  our  collections.  K.  prostrdta,  (once 
Glycine  coccinea)  one-flowered  scarlet,  and  K.  coccinea, 
many  flowered  scarlet,  are  very  pretty.  K.  Comptonidna 
has  splendid  purple  flowers,  and  K.  inophylla  is 
thought  the  most  superb.  It  is  very  rare,  and  we  have 
not  seen  it  flower.  They  are  large  purple.  The 
pots  should  be  well  drained;  and  if  the  plants  are 
much  fostered,  they  will  not  flower  so  well ;  flowers  are 
either  in  racemose  spikes,  or  solitary,  which  is  rather 
too  much  distinction  for  the  same  genus. 

Lambertias,  four  species  of  very  fine  plants,  natives 
of  New  Holland.  Lt.formosa  is  the  finest  of  the  genus 
that  we  have  seen;  flowers  large  and  of  a  splendid  rose 
colour.  L.  echindta  is  said  to  be  finer,  but  has  not  flower- 
ed in  cultivation.  L.  uniflora  has  single  red  flowers,  and 
L.  inermis  orange  coloured.  They  are  rare  plants  in 
the  collections  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic.  Drain  the 
pots  well;  the  foliage  is  narrow,  and  of  a  hard  dry  nature. 

Lasiopbtahms,  only  two  species.     There  were  a  few 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING. 

more,  but  they  are  now  Thomdsias,  plants  of  no  merit 
whatever,  in  regard  to  flower;  foliage  three  lobed,  small, 
rough,  and  rusty-like.  Thomasia  solandcea  and  T.  querei- 
fblia,  are  the  best  species ;  foliage  of  the  former  is 
large,  cordate,  and  deep  indented ;  they  axe:  all  of  the 
easiest  culture. 

Lavandulas,  Lavender,  about  seven  species  belong  tp,'; 
the  Green-house,  and  a  few  of  them  very  pretty  soft- 
wooded,  half  shrubby  plants,  and  if  touched,  are  highly 
scented.  L.  dentdta  has  narrow  serrated  foliage,  very 
neat.  L.formosa  and  L.pinnata  are  desirable;  blue  flowers 
on  a  long  spike ;  should  be  kept  near  the  glass ;  they 
are  of  the  easiest  culture. 

Laurus.  A  few  species  are  Green-house  plants. 
This  genus  has  been  divided  to  Citmambmum;  still 
there  are  a  few  celebrated  plants  in  the  original.  L. 
nobilis,  sweet  bay,  though  hardy,  is  kept  under  protec- 
tion. It  will  bear  the  winter  with  a  little  straw  cover- 
ing, notwithstanding  there  should  be  a  plant  kept  in 
the  house  in  case  of  accident  by  frost  or  otherwise ; 
there  is  a  variegated  variety  of  it.  L.  indica,  royal  bay, 
L.  fcetens,  L.  aggregdta,  and  L.  gluaca,  are  favourites. 
There  is  a  species  known  in  our  collections  as  L.  scd- 
bra.  The  Camphire  tree,  known  as  L.  camphbra,  is 
Cinnamomum  camphbra-,  the  wood,  leaves,  and  roots 
of  this  tree  have  a  very  strong  odour  of  camphire.  It 
is  obtained  by  distillation  from  the  roots  and  small 
branches,  which  are  cut  into  chips,  and  put  into  a  net 
suspended  within  an  iron  pot,  the  bottom  of  which  is 
covered  with  water,  having  an  earthen  head  fitted  in  it; 


102  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

heat  is  then  applied,  and  the  steam  of  the  boiling  water 
a.cting  upon  the  contents  of  the  net,  elevates  the  cam- 
phire  into  the  capital,  where  it  concretes  on  the  straws, 
with  which  this  part  of  the  apparatus  is  lined.  They 
are  all  fine*  evergreens,  (which  the  name  denotes,)  and 
easily  cultivated, 

'  Liwms,:  Ftex,  two  or  three  species  are  very  fine, 
and  flower  freely.  L.  trigynum  has  large  yellow 
flowers  in  clusters,  and  L.  ascyrifdliwn,  whose  flowers 
are  large,  blue,  and  white,  and  in  long  spikes.  The 
shape  of  them  is  very  like  the  flower  vulgarly  called 
Morning-glory. 

Lobelias.  Several  of  them,  when  well  treated,  form 
most  magnificent  flowering  plants ;  they  are  principally 
herbaceous.  L.  Tiipa  has  the  largest  foliage,  and  fine 
scarlet  flowers.  L.  speciosa,  flowers  light  purple;  L. 
fulgens,  crimson  flowers ;  L.  splendens,  scarlet  flowers. 
The  three  last  are  of  the  same  habit;  the  colours  bril- 
liant; and  to  grow  them  well,  they  should  be  divided, 
(if  there  are  several  shoots  arising,)  when  they  begin 
to  grow,  putting  them  first  into  four  inch  pots,  and 
shifting  them  frequently,  having  them  to  flower  in 
those  of  nine  or  ten  inches,  which  will  be  about  the 
end  of  June,,  or  first  of  July,  and  they  will  continue 
until  October.  The  pots  must  be  always  kept  in  pans 
or  saucers  filled  with  water;  likewise  give 'plenty  to 
the  surface  of  the  earth,  which  is  to  be  done  during 
their  time  of  growth  and  flowering.  If  this  is  attended 
to,  they  will  produce  flower  stalks  from  four  to  six  feet 
in  height,  and  covered  with  branches  and  spikes  of 
flowers  from  bottom  to  top.  The  corolla  is  pentape- 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  103 

talous,  three  down  and  two  up ;  they  require  a  little 
shade.  The  genus  consists  of  about  eighty  species; 
seventy  of  them  are  exotics ;  many  of  them  natives  of 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  with  little  flowers  of  brilliant 
colours.  L.  ccerulea,  L.  Thunbergii,  L.  corymbosa,  L. 
pyramidalis,  and  L.  ilicifblia,  are  very  fine  species,  of 
weak  growth,  but  flower  freely. 

Lomdtias,  about  six  species;  flowers  are  white  or 
straw  colour,  and  similar  to  Grevillea,  but  the  foliage 
more  handsome. 

Lophospermum  scdndens.  This  is  a  magnificent  new 
climbing  soft  wooded  shrub,  with  purple,  campanulate 
flowers,  which  are  produced  from  the  axils  on  the 
young  wood;  they  bloom  from  May  to  September; 
leaves  large,  cordate,  and  tomentose ;  grows  rapidly, 
and  flowers  abundantly. 

Lachnceas,  about  five  species,  remarkable  for  their 
downy  heads  of  white  flowers ;  leaves  small,  ovate,  lan- 
ceolate. L.  glauca,  L.  conglomerate  and  L.  eriocephala, 
are  the  best  species.  The  pots  must  be  well  drained, 
and  in  summer  the  plants  protected  from  the  sun. 

Lconbtis,  Lion's-ear,  four  species.  They  have  very 
fine  scarlet  tubular  flowers,  orifice-toothed.  They 
come*  out  in  large  whorls,  and  look  elegant ;  but  nei- 
ther plant  nor  foliage  has  an  agreeable  appearance. 
They  are  of  the  easiest  culture.  L.  intermedia,  and 
L.  Leonurus,  are  the  best  flowering  species. 

Leucospermums,  about  eighteen  species,  of  Proteaci- 
ous  plants,  chiefly  low  growing,  and  are  mostly  downy 
or  hairy ;  flowers  yellow,  in  terminate  heads.  L.  for- 
mosuni)  L.  grandiflorum^  L.  tomentosum,  and  L.  candi- 


104  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  [MARCH, 

cans,  rose-scented.     These  are  fine  species.    For  treat- 
ment, see  Protects. 

Liparias,  about  five  species,  much  esteemed  for 
their  beauty  of  foliage ;  leaves  ovate,  lanceolate,  downy 
or  woolly;  flowers  yellow,  leguminose,  and  capitate. 
L.  sphcerica,  L.  tomentosa,  L.  villosa,  and  L.  sericea,  are 
the  finest.  L.  vistlta  and  L.  villosa  are  the  same,  al- 
though put  in  many  catalogues  as  different  species. 
None  of  them  ought  to  be  much  watered  over  the 
foliage,  as  it  adheres  to  the  down,  and  causes  the 
young  shoots  to  damp  off.  Drain  the  pots  well,  and 
keep  the  plants  in  an  airy  situation. 

Lysin&mas,  four  species,  Closely  allied  to  Epdcris. 
In  every  respect  treatment  the  same.  L.  pentapitalum, 
L.  conspicum,  and  L.  roseum,  are  the  best ;  the  flowers 
of  the  two  former  are  white.  L.  silaifblia  has  leaves 
bipinnatifid  and  smooth,  segments  wedge-shaped  and 
cut.  L.  dentata  and  L.  ilicifolia  are  the  finest ;  the  pots 
should  be  drained. 

Lonicera  japonica.  There  is  a  plant  in  our  collec- 
tions known  by  that  name,  which  is  now  Nintooa  longi- 
fldra  ;  flowers  of  a  straw  colour,  but  come  out  white. 
It  has  been  known  to  withstand  the  winter,  but  does 
not  flower,  and  is  frequently  killed  entirely. 

Lychnis  coroata,  is  an  esteemed  Chinese  plant; 
flowers  in  abundance,  pentapetalous,  large,  and  a  little 
indented  at  the  edges;  colour  a  red-like  orange;  flowers' 
terminale  and  axillary.  The  roots  must  be  divided 
every  spring,  or  they  will  dwindle  away  to  nothing. 
Perhaps  a  good  method  of  treatment  would  be  to  divide 
the  roots,  and  plant  them  in  the  garden ;  they  would 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  105 

flower  well,  and  could  be  lifted  in  the  fall,  and  put  under 
protection.  We  have  no  doubt  that  it  may  become 
acclimated.  If  not  done  so,  plant  them  in  four  inch 
pots,  and  repot  them  into  those  of  six  inch  in  May.  Do 
not  expose  them  while  in  flower  to  the  mid-day  sun,  for 
it  will  deteriorate  the  fine  colour. 

Leptospermums,  about  thirty  species,  all  pretty  New 
Holland  evergreen  dwarf  shrubs,  with  small  white 
flowers.  L.  baccatum,  Li.pendulum^  lu.juniperinum^  L.  ovd- 
tum,  L.  stellatum,  L.  grandiflorum,  and  L.  scopdrium,  are  the 
best  of  the  species.  The  latter  was  used  as  tea  by 
Capt.  Cook's  ship's  crew.  It  is  an  agreeable  bitter, 
with  a  pleasant  flavour,  when  fresh.  When  young 
plants  are  growing,  they  ought  to  be  frequently  topped 
to  make  them  bushy,  and  kept  in  an  airy  situation,  or 
they  will  be  drawn  and  unsightly.  They  are  of  very 
easy  culture. 

Leucadendrons,  Silver  tree,  above  forty  species,  all  na- 
tives of  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  They  are  evergreens  with 
handsome,  silvery-like  foliage.  L.  argenteum  (once 
Protea  argentea)  is  a  great  beauty;  foliage  white, 
lanceolate,  and  silky.  It  is  a  plant  that  has  been  long 
in  cultivation,  greatly  admired,  and  much  sought  for, 
and  is  the  finest  of  the  genus.  L.  squarrosum,  L.  Stella- 
turn,  (once  Protea  stellaris)  L.  tortum,  -L.  serviceum,  L. 
margindtum,  and  L.  plumosum  (once  P.  parviflbrd)  are  all 
fine  species.  The  pots  must  be  well  drained,  and  the 
plants  never  over-watered.  They  are  very  desirable 
in  collections  for  their  beauty  of  foliage;  flowers  similar 
to  Protea. 

Magnolias.  There  are  four  species  that  require  the 
14 


106  GREEN-HOUSE-. REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

protection  of  our  Green-houses ;  all  the  others  are 
hardy.  M.fuscdta,  and  M.  annoncefolia,  are  very  similar 
in  foliage  and  flower  :  the  young  branches  and  leaves 
of  M.fuscdta  is  covered  with  a  brown,  rusty-like  down; 
the  other  by  some  is  considered  merely  a  variety; 
flowers  small,  brown,  and  very  sweet-scented.  M. 
pumila  is  very  dwarf  growing;  leaves  large  and  netted ; 
flowers  semi-double,  white,  pendant,  and  fragrant.  They 
are  natives  of  China.  We  have  several  others  from 
the  east,  but  being  deciduous  are  perfectly  hardy.  M. 
odoratissima,  now  Talauma  Candolii,  a  native  of  the 
Island  of  Java,  and  said  to  be  very  odoriferous,  but  is 
very  rare  even  in  Europe ;  said  to  have  a  straw  colour- 
ed flower.  M.  conspicua  is  desirable  to  have  in  the 
Green-house,  if  enarched  on  a  stock  of  M.  purpurea, 
which  will  always  keep  it  dwarf,  and  it  will  flower  mag- 
nificently in  February  and  March. 

Melaleucas,  above  thirty  species,  and  a  beautiful 
genus  of  New  Holland  plants,  of  easy  culture;  flowers 
come  out  of  the  wood  like  fringes.  M.  eliptica,  M.  ful- 
gcns,  scarlet,  M.  decussata,  M.  hypericifblia^  M.  squar- 
rbsa,  M.  linarifblia,  M.  incana,  M.  tetragbnia,  M.  thymi- 
fblia,  are  all  very  fine  species,  and  flower  freely  if  they 
have  been  grown  from  cuttings;  the  singularity  of  flower 
and  diversity  of  foliage  make  them  generally  thought  of. 

Maurdndias,  three  species,  of  very  pretty  climb- 
ing Green-house  plants,  flowering  from  March  to 
October.  M.  Barclayana  has  splendid  flowers,  large, 
light  blue,  campanulate,  and  very  abundant.  M.  sem- 
perftbrens  has  rose  coloured  flowers,  of  the  same  char- 
acter. They  will  flower  best  if  planted  in  the  ground. 

Myrsines,  Cape  Myrtle,  dwarf  cape  evergreen  shrubs 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  107 

covered  with  small  flowers  from  March  to  May.  M.  re- 
tusa  has  green  and  purple  flowers ;  M.  rotundifblia, 
flowers  white  and  purple.  They  will  grow  in  any  si- 
tuation, and  are  of  easy  culture. 

Mespilus  japonica.  The  plant,  known  under  that 
name,  is  now  Eriabotrya  japonica,  Loquat,  is  a  fine  plant 
with  large  lanceolate,  distantly  serrated  leaves,  white 
underneath ;  small  white  flowers  on  a  racemose  spike, 
and  produces  a  fruit  about  the  size  of  a  walnut,  of  a 
fine  yellow  blush  colour,  and  of  delicious  flavour.  If  it 
flowers  in  the  fall,  it  will  require  the  heat  of  a  Hot-house 
to  ripen  the  fruit.  It  is  of  very  easy  culture,  and  its 
noble  aspect  is  never  passed  unobserved. 

Metrosideros,  about  five  species.  Many  have  been 
added  to  CaUistemon.  M.  flbrida,  M.  umbellata,  and  M. 
angustifblia,  are  the  best  species.  C.  salignum,  C.  Ian- 
ceoldtum,  variety  semperiflbrens,  C.  glaucum,  once  M.  spe- 
ciosa,  has  splendid  scarlet  flowers  and  C.formosum; 
these  are  all  beautiful  plants,  with  scarlet  flowers.  Other 
two  beautiful  species  with  white  flowers  have  been  given 
to  Jlngophora.  A.  cordifblia,  once  M.  hispida,  and  A. 
lanceoldta,  once  M.  costata  ;  these  genera  are  very  easily 
distinguished  from  any  other  Australasian  shrubs,  by 
the  peculiar  character  of  having  both  sides  of  the 
leaves  alike.  The  flowers  consist  of  stamens,  stiles, 
and  anthers,  coming  in  hundreds  out  of  the  young  wood 
for  the  length  of  three  or  four  inches,  forming  a  dense 
cone  crowned  with  a  small  twig ;  leaving  capsules  in 
the  wood,  which  will  keep  their  seeds  perfect  for  a 
great  number  of  years.  They  grow  freely,  and  the  pots 
should  be  well  drained. 


108  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

*  ^'  *"  $   »-    :'  -  * 

Myrtus,  Myrtle,  is  a  well  known  and  popular  shrub, 
especially  the  common  varieties ;  and  was  a  great  fa- 
vourite, (even  to  adoration,)  among  the  ancients.  It 
was  the  mark  of  authority  for  Athenian  rulers,  and  is 
amongst  the  moderns  an  emblem  of  pre-eminence. 
They  are  elegant  evergreen  shrubs,  with  an  agreeable 
odour.  M.  communis  multiplex,  double  flowering,  is  a 
very  neat  shrub,  and  flowers  abundantly.  M.  corn- 
munis  leucocdrpa.  White-fruited  Myrtle,  is  quite  unique, 
when  the  berries  are  on  it.  M.  itdlica  variagdta,  striped 
leaved ;  M.  itdlica  maculata,  blotch  leaved,  are  very  fine 
shrubs ;  and  M.  tomentdsa,  Chinese  Myrtle,  is  a  magnifi- 
cent erect  growing  shrub,  with  a  white  down  over  the 
foliage ;  the  flowers  are  the  largest  of  the  genus.  When 
they  first  expand,  they  are  white,  and  afterwards  change 
to  purple,  so  that  there  are  beautiful  flowers  of  several 
shades  of  colour  on  the  plant.  We  have  not  the  small 
est  doubt  but  this  species  will  become  in  many  in- 
stances as  plentiful  as  the  common  myrtle.  It  is  more 
easily  grown,  but  cannot  stand  much  exposure  to  the 
sun  in  summer.  M.  tenuifolia  is  a  very  fine  plant,  and 
a  native  of  New  South  Wales.  Myrtles  in  general 
should  be  sprinkled  with  water  in  the  evenings,  to  keep 
off  mildew  and  red  spider. 

Nandina  domestic^  the  only  species,  and  a  popular 
shrub  in  the  gardens  of  Japan,  where  it  is  called  Nan- 
din.  It  has  supra-decompound  leaves,  with  entire  lan- 
ceolate leaflets,  a  kind  of  foliage  that  is  very  rare ;  the 
flowers  are  small,  whitish  green,  in  panicles,  succeeded 
by  berries  of  the  size  of  a  pea ;  drain  the  pots  well. 

(Oleander,)  is  a  genus  of  beautiful  erect 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  109 

growing  evergreen  sbrubs,  of  the  easiest  culture,  and 
abundant  in  flower.  N.  oleander  is  the  common  rose 
coloured  single  flowering  species,  from  which  six  varie- 
ties have  originated.  At  present  the  most  popular  is 
N.  oleander  splendens,  which  has  a  double  rose  coloured 
flower.  There  is  one  that  has  got  in  our  collections 
as  double  white  which  is  only  semi-double.  We  have 
seen  a  white,  variety  as  double  as  JV.  o.  splendens,  and 
have  no  doubt  but  in  a  few  years  it  will  be  plentiful. 
N.  oleander  eleganlissimum,  a  most  beautiful  plant,  with 
deep  silver-edged  foliage;  and  the  young  wood  is  strip- 
ed white  and  green.  We  are  not  positive  in  respect  to 
the  beauty  of  its  flowers,  but  it  has  a  high  character. 
We  have  heard  of  a  double  yellow  variety,  but  the  re- 
ports are  not  properly  authenticated ;  and  we  doubt  it 
very  much.  There  are  likewise  single  yellow,  single 
white,  and  single  blotched  varieties  of  N.  oleander.  They 
are  subject  to  the  small  white  scaly  insect,  and  should 
be  frequently  washed,  as  has  been  directed,  to  keep  it 
off. 

Oleas,  Olive,  about  twelve  species  and  varieties. 
O.  Europcea  longifolia,  is  the  species  that  is  cultivated 
to  such  an  extent  in  the  south  of  France,  and  Italy.  O. 
Europcea  latifoliais  chiefly  cultivated  in  Spain.  The 
fruit  is  larger  than  that  of  Italy,  but  the  oil  is  not  so 
pleasant,  which  is  obtained  by  crushing  the  fruit  to  a 
paste,  and  pressing  it  through  a  woollen  bag,  adding 
hot  water  as  long  as  any  oil  is  yielded.  The  oil  is  then 
skimmed  off  the  water,  and  put  into  barrels,  bottles, 
&c.  for  use.  The  tree  seldom  exceeds  thirty  feet,  and 
is  a  branchy  glaucous  evergreen,  and  said  to  be  of  great 


HO  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

longevity.  Some  plantations  at  Turin  in  Italy  are  sup- 
posed to  have  existed  from  the  time  of  Pliny.  It  fre- 
quently flowers  in  our  collections,  but  seldom  carries 
fruit ;  flowers  white,  in  small  racemose  axillary  spikes. 
O.  cupensis  has  a  thick  large  oblong  foliage ;  flowers 
white,  in  large  terminate  panicles.  O.  verrucosa,  foliage 
flat,  lanceolate,  and  white  beneath,  branches  curiously 
warted.  O.  fragrdns,  foliage  and  blossoms  are  both 
highly  odoriferous ;  the  plant  is  much  esteemed  in 
China,  and  is  said  to  be  used  tq  adulterate  and  flavour 
teas.  Leaves  are  elliptic,  lanceolate,  and  a  little  ser- 
rated ;  flowers  white  in  lateral  bunches.  It  is  subject 
to  the  small,  white  scaly  insect,  and  ought  to  be  care- 
fully kept  from  them  by  washing.  O.  paniculata  is  a 
fine  species.  They  are  all  very  easily  cultivated. 

Oxylobiums,  seven  species,  plants  very  similar  to 
Callistachys,  with  ovate,  cordate,  light  coloured,  pu- 
bescent foliage,  with  papilionaceous  flowers.  O.  obtusi- 
fblium  has  scarlet  flowers ;  O.  retusum,  orange  flowers ; 
and  O.  ellipticum,  yellow  flowers.  They  grow  freely, 
and  should  be  well  drained ;  flower  from  May  to  Au- 
gust. 

Pelargoniums,  Stork's  Bill.  This  genus,  so  universal- 
ly known  amongst  us  as  Geranium,  from  which  it  was 
separated  many  years  ago,  is  a  family  of  great  extent 
and  variety,  for  which  we  are  principally  indebted  to 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  By  cultivation  from  seed 
many  hundred  beautiful  species  and  well  marked  varie- 
ties have  been  obtained.  There  are  about  five  hun- 
dred species,  with  upwards  of  two  hundred  varieties. 
They  are  of  every  character,  colour  and  shade,  of  the 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING. 

most  vivid  description.  The  easy  cultivation  of  the 
Pelargonium  tribe,  or  Geraniums,  as  they  are  commonly 
called,  has  rendered  them  very  popular;  also  the 
agreeableness  of  scent  and  fragrance  of  which  many  of 
them  are  possessed,  makes  them  favourites.  If  their 
flowering  season  was  of  longer  duration,  the  varieties 
and  species  would  be  quite  indispensable  in  collections ; 
but  there  is  every  appearance  that  in  a  few  years  the 
aspect  of  them  will  be  changed.  The  present  prevail- 
ing colour  of  the  flower,  (which  has  five  petals,  three 
hanging  and  two  erect,  the  erect  petals  being  always 
of  the  darkest  shade,)  is  a  white  or  pink  ground,  with 
lilac,  purple,  or  pink  stripes,  flakes,  or  spots,  and 
blooms  from  April  to  June;  though  they  bloom  pro- 
fusely in  large  bunches,  the  time  is  limited.  The  spe- 
cies and  varieties  that  have  a  red  ground,  with  black 
or  dark  crimson  stripes  or  spots,  generally  bloom  dur- 
ing the  whole  summer.  These,  though  scarce  in  the 
collections  of  the  country,  will  in  a  few  years  root  out 
those  whose  flowers  are  of  such  short  duration,  and 
by  their  blooms  charm  us  half  of  the  year. 

The  tuberous  and  fleshy  stemmed  species  are  far 
more  interesting  to  the  discriminating  inquirer  than 
the  common  kinds.  Their  habit  and  constitution  are 
so  peculiar,  that  we  have  frequently  wondered  that 
they  have  not  been  separated  into  distinct  genera. 
The  cultivation  of  them  is  more  difficult,  water  being 
very  prejudicial  to  them  when  they  are  inactive. 
When  they  are  well  managed,  they  flower  beautifully, 
and  the  colours  are  very  superior  and  peculiar,  having 
frequently  bright  green  and  purple  in  the  same  flower. 


112  %  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

If  some  of  the  colours  of  these  could  be  compounded 
with  the  large  flowering  kinds,  those  hybridised  would 
be  magnificent. 

The  best  method  to  adopt  in  impregnating  these,  is 
to  choose  the  female,  one  that  has  large  flowers,  of 
easy  cultivation,  and  as  nearly  allied  in  character  and 
other  habits  as  possible.  When  a  flower  of  the  intend- 
ed female  is  newly  expanded,  take  a  pair  of  very  fine 
pointed  scissors,  and  cut  off*  the  anthers  before  the 
pollen  expands;  then  as  soon  as  the  summit  of  the  stile 
divides,  apply  the  pollen  taken  from  the  anthers  of  the 
intended  male  plant  on  a  very  fine  camel  hair  pencil, 
or  cut  out  the  stigma  entirely,  and  place  the  anther  on 
the  summit  of  the  stile,  which,  if  correctly  done,  will 
have  the  desired  effect.  As  soon  as  the  seed  is  ripe, 
sow  it  in  light  sandy  soil ;  and  when  it  has  come  up, 
take  care  not  to  over-water  the  soil,  which  would 
cause  them  to  damp  off.  When  they  are  about  one 
inch  high,  put  them  into  small  pots,  and  treat  as  the 
other  varieties.  Have  them  all  distinctly  marked  until 
they  flower,  which  will  be  in  the  second  year  from  the 
time  of  sowing. 

Phormium  t&nax,  New  Zealand  flax  lily,  the  only  spe- 
cies ;  foliage  resembling  an  /m,  and  very  thready.  In 
New  Zealand  and  Norfolk  Island,  the  natives  manufac- 
ture from  this  plant  a  kind  of  stuff  like  coarse  linen, 
cordage,  &c. ;  the  plant  is  very  hardy,  and  we  would 
be  no  way  surprised  to  see  it  stand  the  severity  of  our 
winters.  It  bears  exposure  to  the  open  air  in  Europe 
in  the  56th  degree  of  north  latitude.  The  flowers  are 
said  to  be  yellow  and  lily-like ;  of  the  easiest  culture. 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE.— REPOTTING.  1  j  3 

Phylicas,  above  twenty-five  species.  Several  of  them 
are  very  pretty  growing  evergreen  shrubs,  and  of  easy 
culture.  P.  horizonldlis,  P.  squarrosa,  P.  imbricata,  P. 
myrtifolia,  P.  callosa,  P.  bicolor,  and  P.  ericoides,  are  all 
neat  growing;  flowers  small,  white,  in  heads;  drain 
the  pots  well,  and  keep  them  in  an  airy  situation. 
The  foliage  of  several  of  the  species  is  downy. 

Pimeleas,  about  fourteen  species.  Most  of  them  are 
highly  esteemed,  and  are  not  often  seen  in  our  collec- 
tions. P.  decussata  is  the  finest  of  the  genus,  both  in 
foliage  and  flowers,  which  are  red,  and  in  large  termi- 
nale  clusters;  P.  rosea,  P.  Unifdlia,  white,  P.  spicata, 
and  P.  drupdcea,  are  all  fine  species.  The  latter  has 
the  largest  foliage,  which  is  ovate  and  accuminate; 
berry-bearing.  They  should  be  well  drained.  They 
are  very  small  evergreen  shrubs,  with  white  or  red 
flowers. 

Pittosporums,  about  nine  species,  with  handsome 
foliage,  and  small  white  flowers  in  clusters,  which  are 
fragrant.  P.  Toblra  is  a  native  of  China,  and  nearly 
hardy ;  leaves  lucid,  obovate,  obtuse,  and  smooth.  P. 
undulatum,  P.  coridceum,  P.  revolutum,  P.  fulvum,  and 
P.  ferrugineum,  are  very  ornamental  evergreens,  and 
will  grow  with  the  most  simple  treatment. 

Pktylbbiums,  Flat  Pea,  four  species  of  fine  free 
flowering  plants;  flowers  leguminose;  colour  yellow. 
P.  formosum,  P.  ovdtum,  and  P.  triangulare,  are  the 
best ;  the  foliage  of  the  two  former  is  cordate,  ovate ; 
the  latter  hastate,  with  spiny  angles. 

Pistacias,  seven  species  of  trees,  principally  of  the 
south  of  Europe.  There  is  nothing  particular  in  their 

15 


]|4  *        GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

appearance,  except  their  productions  in  their  native 
country.  P.  terebinthus  is  deciduous,  and  produces 
the  Cyprus  turpentine.  P.  lenttscus  is  the  true  mas- 
tich  tree,  which  is  obtained  by  cutting  transverse  inci- 
sions in  the  bark.  P.  vera  and  P.  reticuldta  are  good 
species;  leaves  pinnated;  leaflets  ovate,  lanceolate; 
easily  cultivated. 

Plumbagos,  Lead-wort.  There  are  only  two  species 
of  any  consequence  belonging  to  the  Green-house,  P. 
tristis  and  P.  capensis.  The  former  is  a  shy  flowerer, 
but  the  latter  flowers  freely;  colour  beautiful  light  blue, 
and  flowers  in  spikes;  foliage  oblong,  entire,  and  a 
little  glaucous ;  of  very  easy  culture,  and  continues  in 
bloom  a  considerable  time. 

Psoraleas,  above  forty  species.  A  few  of  them  are 
worthy  of  cultivation,  P.  odoratissima,  P.  spicata,  P. 
aculedta^  P.  argentea,  and  P.  tomentosa.  They  have  all 
blue  flowers,  and  leguminose.  They  are  chiefly  low 
shrubs ;  and  will  flower  and  grow  freely ;  the  pots  re- 
quire draining. 

Podalyrias,  about  fourteen  species  of  pretty  Cape 
shrubs;  foliage  oblong,  obovate,  and  silky-like;  the 
flowers  leguminose;  colour  blue  or  pink.  P.  sericea, 
P.  styracifblia,  P.  coruscans,  P.  argentea,  P.  liparioides, 
and  P.  subbiflora,  are  the  finest  and  most  distinct  species, 
and  flower  abundantly. 

Persoonias,  about  sixteen  species  of  dwarf  evergreen 
shrubs;  leaves  oblong,  or  lanceolate,  hairy,  or  downy; 
flowers  axillary  and  solitary ;  the  pots  should  be  well 
drained,  and  the  plants  in  summer  protected  from  the 
sun.  P.  hirsuta,  P.  moUis,  P.  teretifdlia,  and  P.  lucida, 
are  the  most  distinct,  and  grow  freely. 


MARCH.]  GREEN.HOUSE— REPOTTING.  ]J5 

Protects,  about  forty-four  species.  The  foliage  of 
this  genus  is  very  diversified;  flowers  very  large,  termi- 
nate;  stamens  protected  by  an  involucrum;  many-leav- 
ed and  imbricated;  which  is  very  persistent.  P. 
cynaroides  has  the  largest  flower,  which  is  purple, 
green,  and  red.  P.  specibsa,  P.  umbondlis,  once  P. 
longifdlia,  P.  melaleuca,  P.  grandiflora,  P.  coccinea,  P. 
cenocdrpa,  P.  pal/ens,  P.  formosa,  P.  magnified,  P.  spe- 
ciosa  rubra,  and  P.  mellifera,  will  afford  a  very  good 
variety.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  describe  their  true 
colour,  it  being  so  various ;  red,  white,  straw,  brown, 
green,  and  purple,  are  most  predominant,  and  fre- 
quently to  be  seen  in  the  same  flower;  the  plants  must 
be  well  drained ;  and  during  warm  weather  be  careful 
that  they  are  not  neglected  in  water,  for  if  they  are 
suffered  to  droop,  they  seldom  recover.  For  this  rea- 
son the  pots  ought  not  to  stand  in  the  strong  sun ;  the 
plants  can  bear  it,  but  to  the  roots  it  is  injurious. 

Pultenceas,  about  forty  species,  pretty  little  dwarf 
growing  shrubs  of  New  South  Wales ;  flowers  small, 
leguminose,  all  yellow,  with  a  little  red  outside  of  the 
petals.  P.  villosa,  P.  obcorddta,  P.  argentea,  P.  plumbsa, 
P.  fiexilis,  shining  leaved,  fragrant;  P.  Candida,  and  P. 
stncta,  are  all  fine  species,  and  esteemed  in  collections. 
The  leaves  are  all  small :  they  require  antairy  exposure, 
and  the  pots  drained. 

Rhododendrons  (Rose  tree),  a  magnificent  genus,  and 
contains  some  of  the  most  superb  and  gigantic  plants 
that  adorn  the  Green-house.  All  the  Azaleas  (except 
A.  procumbens)  both  Chinese  and  American,  have  been 


-  • 

';.  *••  .••. 

GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

arranged  under  this  genus.  At  present  the  most  ad- 
mired is  R.  arbbreum,  with  varieties.  R.  arboreum  has 
deep  scarlet  flowers,  with  dark  spots  and  flakes  cam- 
panulated,  and  in  large  clusters;  leaves  lanceolate, 
acute,  rough,  and  silvery  beneath.  R.  arboreum  album 
is  very  rare.  R.  arboreum  superbum,  flowers  same 
shape  as  arbdreum,  colour  bright  scarlet ;  foliage  one 
third  larger,  but  not  silvery  beneath ;  grows  freely,  and 
generally  thought  the  finest  variety.  R.  arborea  alte- 
Cldrance  is  also  very  superb.  There  are  several  other 
varieties  of  minor  note.  A  Green-house  without  some  of 
the  scarlet  varieties  of  that  plant,  is  deficient  of  a  flower 
whose  beauty  and  grandeur  are  beyond  the  highest 
imagination.  It  is  a  native  of  Nepaul  in  India,  and 
when  found  by  Dr.  Wallach  awakened  the  ambition  of 
every  cultivator  and  connoisseur  in  Europe.  There  are 
several  other  species  brought  from  that  country  lately, 
but  none  of  them  has  yet  flowered.  They  are  highly 
valued  from  the  productions  of  the  above;  the  species 
are  R.  campanuldtum,  R*  anthopogon,  and  R.  cinnamo- 
meum.  This  is  named  from  the  colour  of  the  leaves, 
which  are  very  peculiar  and  very  handsome  ;  the 
flowers  are  said  to  be  rose-coloured.  These  three  last 
cannot  be  purchased  under  an  immense  price;  the 
others  have  been  rarely  seen  in  our  collections,  but  an- 
other year  or  two  will  make  them  more  plentiful.  Their 
beauty  of  flower  is  beyond  description.  The  pots 
should  be  well  drained,  and  if  they  are  large,  put  several 
pieces  of  sandy  stones  or  potshreds  around  the  side,  for 
the  fine  fibres  delight  to  twine  about  such,  being  moun- 
tainous plants. 


:      : 


,]  GREEN-HOUSE-REPOTTING. 

Roellas,  pretty  leafy  shrubs,  with  blue  terminale  fun- 
nel-shaped flowers,  lip-spreading ;  R.  cilliata,  R.  spi- 
cata,  and  R.  pedunculate  are  the  finest  of  the  genus. 
The  pots  must  be  well  drained,  and  care  taken  that 
they  are  not  over-watered. 

Sdlvia  (Sage),  is  an  extensive  genus  of  soft-wooded, 
shrubby,  or  herbaceous  plants ;  very  few  of  them  do 
well  in  the  Green-house,  and  many  of  them  are  very 
trifling,  having  no  other  attraction  than  the  flower,  and 
those  of  the  tender  species,  when  compared  with  S. 
elegans,  S.  splendens,  S.  ccerulea,  and  S.  coccmea,  (which 
in  artificial  climates  constitute  the  standard  of  the 
genus,)  are  not  worth  cultivation.  These  last  men- 
tioned, if  kept  in  the  Green-house,  will  merely  keep  in 
life,  but  a  situation  in  the  Hot-house  would  cause 
them  to  flower  frequently.  The  best  method  to  adopt 
with  the  summer  flowering  kinds,  is  to  plant  them  in 
the  garden  in  May ;  they  will  grow  strong  and  flower 
abundantly,  and  in  the  fall  they  can  be  lifted,  and  pre- 
served during  winter  in  pots.  They  neither  grow  nor 
flower  so  well  as  when  planted  out,  and  even  a  slip  plant- 
ed in  the  ground  in  moist  weather  will  root  in  a  few 
days,  grow,  and  flower  in  a  few  weeks.  S.  splendens  is 
the  best  to  select  for  the  purpose.  S.  aurea,  S.  panicu- 
lata,  and  S.  indica,  are  fine  species.  The  latter  is  white 
and  blue,  with  large  leaves ;  flowers  monopetalous,  and 
irregular ;  colour  generally  red  or  blue  in  spiked  whorls. 
All  will  grow  easily  with  encouragement. 

Senectos.  Some  species  of  this  genus  are  pestiferous 
weeds  all  over  the  world.  They  are  found  near  the 
limits  of  perpetual  snow,  where  neither  tree  nor  shrub 


118  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

is  able  to  rear  its  head.  Yet  there  are  three  species 
that  are  neat  little  plants,  and  are  worthy  of  a  situation, 
viz.  S.  grandiflbrus,  S.  venustus,  and  S.  cinerdscens,  with 
the  double  white  and  red  variety  of  S.  elegans.  The 
two  last  varieties  are  free  flowering,  but  if  allowed  to 
grow  several  years,  they  become  unsightly.  Being  very 
easily  propagated,  a  few  cuttings  of  them  should  be  put 
in,  in  September,  and  in  two  weeks  they  will  strike  root, 
when  they  may  be  put  in  pots  to  keep  through  the 
winter,  and  then  planted  in  the  garden,  continuing  to 
renew  them.  The  other  mentioned  species  should  be 
frequently  done  the  same  way.  Do  not  keep  them  damp 
during  winter,  or  they  will  rot  off.  Keep  them  in  an 
airy  exposure. 

Schotias,  a  beautiful  genus  of  six  species,  which  will 
require  the  warmest  part  of  the  Green-house  to  keep 
them.  The  foliage  is  handsome ;  leaves  compound : 
leaflets  oval-lanceolate,  and  in  pairs  from  six  to  ten;  S. 
speciosa,  crimson,  flowers  nearly  papilionaceous,  and  in 
bunches,  the  most  superb  of  the  genus.  S.  data,  S.  la- 
tifblia,  once  Omphalbbium  Schotia,  and  S.  tamarindifblia,  are 
the  finest;  the  flowers  of  the  others  are  red.  The  pots 
require  to  be  drained,  and  the  plants  protected  from 
the  hot  sun. 

Swainsbnas,  four  species  of  free  flowering,  soft  wood- 
ed shrubs,  natives  of  New  South  Wales.  S.  galigifolia, 
S.  coronillcefblia,  and  S.  astragali/alia,  are  red,  purple, 
and  white;  leguminose  flowers  in  spikes  from  the  axils, 
are  of  easy  culture,  and  deserving  of  a  situation;  the 
foliage  is  pinnate ;  leaflets  ovate,  acute. 

Scbttias,  three  species   of  valuable  plants  ;  S.  dentdta, 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  j  j  9 

with  scarlet  leguminose  blossoms;  leaves  opposite, 
ovate,  accuminate,  serrate ;  S.  angustifblia  has  brown 
flowers;  S. trapezifbrmus,  leaves  ovate,  acute,  serrulate. 
We  do  not  know  the  colour  of  its  flowers ;  the  pots 
must  be  well  drained,  and  the  plants  kept  in  the  warm- 
est part  of  the  Green-house,  and  near  the  light. 

Sparrmdnnias,  are  strong  growing  Green-house 
shrubs.  S.  africdna,  is  a  plant  very  common  in  our 
collections,  with  large  three  lobed  cordate  leaves,  hairs 
on  both  sides ;  flowers  from  March  to  July.  S.  ru- 
g6sa.  The  leaves  are  rugged ;  flowers  of  both  are 
white,  in  a  kind  of  corymb,  supported  by  a  long  foot- 
stalk ;  buds  drooping,  flowers  erect.  There  is  a  plant 
known  in  our  collections,  as  the  free-flowering  Sparr- 
mdnnia,  (which  is  Entelia  arborescens^)  and  is  easily  dis- 
tinguished from  Sparrmdnnia  by  the  leaves  being  cor- 
date, accuminate,  and  otherwise,  by  all  its  filaments 
being  fertile,  and  the  flowers  more  branching,  and 
blooming  from  November  to  June,  profusely;  very  easily 
cultivated,  and  desirable. 

Sph&rolbbiwns,  only  two  species  of  leafless  plants, 
with  yellow  and  red  leguminose  flowers,  which  proceed 
from  the  young  shoots.  S.  vimineum  and  S.  medium. 
They  flower  freely,  and  are  easily  cultivated.  The  old 
wood  should  be  frequently  cut  out  where  it  is  practica- 
ble. Drain  the  pots. 

Sprengelia  incarnata,  the  only  species,  a  very  pretty 
plant,  allied  to  Epdcris;  small  foliage,  long,  accuminate; 
flowers  small,  pink,  bearded,  and  in  close  spikes;  grows 
freely,  delighting  in  shade.  The  pots  must  be  well 
drained,  and  the  plants,  when  dormant,  watered  spa- 


120  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

ringly ,  for  if  they  get  sodden  about  the  roots,  they  very 
seldom  recover. 

Stylidiums,  six  species  of  pretty  litte  plants,  with 
small  linear  leaves,  and  remarkable  for  the  singular 
elasticity  of  the  style  or  column,  which,  when  the  flower 
is  newly  expanded,  lays  to  one  side,  and  on  being 
touched  with  a  pin  starts  with  violence  to  the  opposite 
side.  S.  graminifblium,  S.fruticosum^  S.  laricifdUum,  and 
S.  adndtum,  are  all  free  flowering ;  flowers  in  spikes, 
very  small ;  colour  light  and  dark  pink ;  blooms  from 
April  to  July.  S.  adnatum  is  half  herbaceous,  and 
should,  when  growing,  be  kept  nigh  the  glass,  or  it  will 
be  drawn,  and  the  flowers  become  of  a  pale  colour. 
They  are  all  of  easy  cultivation. 

Styphelias,  seven  species  of  very  showy  flowers,  with 
mucronate  leaves  ;  corolla  in  a  long  tubular  form,  hav- 
ing several  bundles  of  hairs  in  it ;  segments  reflex  and 
bearded.  S.  tubifldra,  crimson,  S.  triflora,  crimson  and 
green;  S.  adscendens,  and  S.  longifolia,  are  beautiful 
species.  They  grow  freely,  and  should  be  well  drained, 
as  too  much  water  is  very  hurtful  to  them.  In  summer 
they  ought  not  to  be  much  exposed  to  the  hot  sun,  or 
the  foliage  will  become  brown. 

Salpiglossis,  four  species  of  fine  herbaceous  Green- 
house plants,  natives  of  Chili.  The  flowers  are  tubular 
and  campanulate.  S.  picta,  flowers  white  and  blue 
painted ;  S.  atropurpurea,  flowers  dark  purple,  and  S. 
isnuata,  flowers  crimson,  are  superb,  and  if  planted  in 
the  garden  during  summer  will  flower  profusely.  They 
must  be  lifted  in  October,  and-  taken  under  protection. 

Tagetes  lucida  is  found  in  many  of  our  collections. 


MAIICH.]  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  ]21 

The  leaves  are  simple,  oblong,  and  finely  serrated. 
When  rubbed  by  the  hand,  they  have  an  agreeable  fra- 
grance; the  flowers  are  syngenesious,  small,  and  in  ter- 
minate bunches.  It  is  herbaceous  ;  and  when  about  an 
inch  grown  should  be  divided  and  potted  into  five  inch 
pots.  Repot  it  again  about  the  first  of  June.  It  keeps 
in  flower  from  July  to  November. 

Testudinaria,  Elephant's  foot,  or  Hottentot's  bread, 
two  species  remarkable  for  their  appearance.  The 
root  or  bulb,  if  it  may  be  so  called,  is  of  a  conical  shape, 
and  divided  into  transverse  sections.  Those  of  one 
foot  diameter  are  computed  to  be  1£0  years  of  age.  It 
is  a  climbing  herbaceous  plant,  with  entire  reniforme 
leaves  of  no  beauty;  flowers  small ;  colour  green.  The 
pots  must  be  well  drained,  for  when  the  plant  is  inac- 
tive it  is  in  danger  of  suffering  from  moisture,  and  ought 
not  to  get  any  water.  T.  Elephdntiphes  and  T.  montdna 
are  the  species,  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
and  require  the  warmest  part  of  the  house. 

Tdxus  nucifera,  is  the  only  species  that  requires  pro- 
tection, and  bears  a  small  acorn;  flowers  are  trifling; 
an  evergreen,  with  ovate,  lanceolate  foliage,  thickly  set 
on  the  wood ;  will  grow  in  any  situation.  There  is  a 
plant  in  our  collections  known  as  T.  chinensis  or  T.  elon- 
gdta,  which  is  Podocdrpus  elongdtus.  It  has  lanceolate 
leaves,  erect  growing,  and  very  hardy ;  flowers  mceona- 
cious,  and  of  no  estimation  except  to  the  curious. 

Telopea  speciosissimus,  is  the  only  species,  and  was 

once  called  Embothrium  speciosissimus.     It  is  now  called 

Telopea  in  allusion  to  the  brilliant  crimson  flowers,  which 

from  their  great  size  are  seen  at  a  large  distance,  and 

16 


J22  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

which  render  it  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  produc- 
tions of  New  South  Wales.  The  leaves  are  oblong, 
deeply  toothed,  veiny,  and  smooth;  wood  strong; 
flower  ovate,  connate,  and  terminate,  and  of  consider- 
able duration.  There  ought  to  be  a  specimen  of  it  in 
every  collection.  The  pots  must  be  well  drained,  and 
the  plant  in  the  extreme  heat  of  summer  not  too  much 
exposed  to  the  sun. 

Templetbnia,  a  very  pretty  genus,  containing  only 
two  species.  T.  retusa  is  an  erect  growing  shrub,  with 
wedge-shaped  green  leaves.  T.  glduca,  leaves  glacuous, 
blunt,  and  a  little  apiculate ;  flowers  of  both  scarlet. 
They  are  leguminose  plants  of  free  growth,  and  should 
be  well  drained ;  blooming  from  April  to  June. 

Tristanias,  seven  species  of  evergreen  shrubs.  Several 
of  them  require  to  be  very  large  before  they  flower. 
T.  neriifolia  is  a  very  neat  little  plant,  and  flowers  abun- 
dantly ;  colour  yellow ;  shape  star-like,  and  in  clusters ; 
leaves  lanceolate  and  opposite.  T.  conferta,  white 
flowers  in  spikes,  leaves  alternate.  T.  suaveolens,  sweet- 
scented;  flowers  yellow.  They  are  all  of  very  easy 
culture. 

Verbenas.  A  few  of  these  are  showy,  herbaceous,  Green- 
house plants.  V.  chamcedryfblia,  lately  known  as  F".  Melin- 
dres,  is  a  beautiful  plant  of  a  procumbent  habit ;  flowers 
'  brilliant  scarlet,  in  glomerated  heads  from  the  axils  of  the 
young  shoots;  blooming  from  April  to  October.  A  large 
plant  will  appear  as  a  solid  mass  of  scarlet.  V.lambertii 
and  V.pukhella  are  also  very  pretty;  colour,  rose  and  lilac. 
A  very  good  method  of  treating  these  plants,  is,  to  plant 
them  in  the  garden  in  April ;  and  give  them  copious 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  ]  23 

waterings  in  dry  weather,  and  they  will  flower  profuse- 
ly, lifting  some  of  the  plants  before  frost,  to  preserve 
them  during  winter.  They  ought  to  be  allowed  to  run 
according  to  their  nature ;  for  if  tied  up,  they  will  not 
do  so  well,  being  in  that  way  too  much  exposed. 
There  is  a  plant  known  in  our  collections  as  Verbena 
triphylla,  which  is  Jlloysia  citriodbra.  The  flowers  are 
in  long  spikes,  very  small,  and  pale  purple.  The  celeb- 
rity of  the  plant  is  in  the  foliage,  which  is  linear,  lan- 
ceolate, ternate,  and  it  has  the  most  agreeable  fragrance 
in  the  vegetable  world.  It  is  of  very  easy  culture,  and 
has  been  known  to  survive  the  winter,  in  open  air,  in 
Philadelphia.  It  is  deciduous,  and  would  do  to  plant  in 
the  garden  during  summer,  lifting  it  again  before  frost, 
and  putting  it  under  protection  through  winter.  When 
large  before  it  begins  to  grow,  in  spring  cut  it  into  a 
neat  shape  or  form. 

Viburnums.  A  few  of  these  are  very  ornamental  ever- 
green shrubs,  and  almost  hardy.  V.  tinus  is  the  well 
known  Laurestine,  (or  what  is  commonly  called  Lau- 
restinus,)  is  of  the  easiest  culture;  flowers  small  white, 
and  in  large  flattened  panicles ;  blooming  from  Feb- 
ruary to  May,  and  universally,  esteemed.  .  It  will  stand 
the  winter  by  a  little  protection,  but  the  flower  buds 
being  formed  in  the  fall,  the  intense  frost  destroys  them; 
consequently,  it  will  not  flower  except  by  the  buds, 
which  sometimes  form  early  in  summer.  V.  lucidum  is 
a  good  species,  and  superior  in  flower  and  foliage  to 
the  former,  but  does  not  flower  so  freely,  when,  the 
plants  are  small.  When  they  grow  large,  they 
flower  profusely.  There  is  a  desirable  variegated  va- 


* 

• 


124  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MARCH. 

* 

riety.  V.  odoratissimum  has  smooth  evergreen,  oblong, 
elliptic,  distantly  toothed,  leaves,  and  frequently  a  stripe 
in  them,  is  sweet-scented,  and  a  free  flowerer.  V.  hir- 
sutum  has  flowers  similar  to  the  above ;  foliage  ovate, 
with  rough  brown  hairs  on  both  sides,  and  very  charac- 
teristic. F".  strictum  variagdlum  is  a  very  fine  variety, 
and  upright  growing.  These  plants  are  all  very  desir- 
able, blooming  early  in  spring,  and  continuing  for  seve- 
ral months  ;  all  easily  cultivated. 

Viminaria  denuddta,  the  only  species.  This  plant  is  re- 
markable for  its  twiggy  appearance,  but  it  has  no  foliage, 
except  when  growing  from  seed.  It  has  at  the  extremity 
of  the  twigs  or  shoots,  an  ovate,  lanceolate,  leaf,  disap- 
pearing when  the  plant  grows  old;  the  flowers  are  small, 
yellow,  coming  out  of  the  young  shoots,  to  the  astonish- 
ment of  the  beholder.  It  grows  freely. 

Virgilia  capensis  is  a  beautiful  cape  shrub,  with  a 
compound  leaf  of  twenty-five  leaflets,  ovate,  lanceolate, 
edges  hairy;  flowers  in  spikes  at  the  axils;  colour  blue 
and  legumiriose.  The  pots  require  to  be  well  drained, 
and  the  plants  protected  from  the  sun. 

Volkamena  japonica.  There  is  a  plant  known  in  our 
collections  under  that  name,  which  is  Clerodendron  frd- 
grans  multiplex.  It  keeps  in  a  .good 'Green-house,  and 
flowers  well,  frequently  blooming  during  winter,  and  if 
planted  in  the  garden  during  summer,  will  flower  su- 
perbly. The  flowers  have  a  delicious  fragrance ;  but 
if  the  foliage  is  rubbed  with  the  hand,  the  smell  is  not 
SQ  pleasant.  The  leaves  are  large,  round,  ovate,  and 
tomentose;  flowers  corymbose,  compact,  and  terminale. 
There  are  several  fine  plants  in  Clerodendron  belonging 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING.  125 

to  the  Hot-house.  This  plant  will  not  bear  much  fu- 
migation. 

Witsenias,  four  species.  W.  corymbbsa  is  a  plant  that 
has  stood  in  high  estimation  ever  since  it  was  known, 
but  unfortunately  there  is  a  very  inferior  plant,  Jlristea 
cyanea,  got  into  our  collections  under  that  name.  The 
panicles  of  W.  corymbbsa  is  quite  smooth;  those  of  Jlris- 
tea  are  hairy,  which  is  itself  sufficient  to  detect  them ; 
but  otherwise  the  appearance  of  W.  corymbbsa  is  much 
stronger,  and  more  erect  growing,  not  inclining  to 
push  at  the  roots  so  much  as  Jlristba.  The  foliag6  is 
lanceolate  and  amplexicaule,  the  leaves  having  much 
the  nature  and  appearance  of  Iris.  The  plant  is  of 
easy  culture,  and  blooms  from  November  to  April ;  co- 
lour fine  blue.  The  true  one  has  come  into  the 
country  lately.  W.  ramdsa  is  a  very  fine  species,  simi- 
lar to  the  above;  flowers  yellow  and  blue;  plant 
branching. 

Westringias,  a  genus  of  four  species,  very  like  the 
common  Rosemary.  W.  rosmariniformis,  leaves  lanceo- 
late, and  silvery  beneath ;  W.  longifblia  is  similar;  both 
have  small  white  silvery  flowers,  and  are  easily  culti- 
vated. . 

Zamias,  about  twenty  species,  eight  of  which  belong 
to  this  compartment.  The  foliage  is  greatly  admired, 
and  is  in  large  fronds,  with  oblique,  lanceolate  leaflets. 
Several  of  them  glaucous.  It  bears  heads  of  flowers 
of  a  brown  colour  in  the  centre  of  the  plant,  very  like 
large  pine  cones.  Z.  horrida,  the  finest,  Z.  pungens,  Z. 
spiralis,  and  Z.  latifolia,  are  the  most  conspicuous. 
They  must  be  kept  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  Green- 


126  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING.  [MAECH. 

house ;  and  give  them  large  well  drained  pots.  They 
are  imported  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  All  the 
plants  herein  named  requiring  to  be  drained.  In  pre- 
paring the  pots,  place  first  a  piece  of  broken  pot,  or 
any  similar  substitute,  with  the  convex  side  on  the 
hole  of  the  pot,  and  then  put  in  a  few,  or  a  handful, 
(according  to  the  size  of  the  pot,)  of  shivers  of  broken 
pots,  or  round  gravel,  about  the  size  of  garden  pease. 
Those  that  we  have  mentioned  in  this  Repotting,  as  to 
be  done  in  this,  or  beginning  of  next  month,  is  not  in- 
tended to  apply  to  plants  in  general,  large  and  small, 
but  to  those  that  are  young,  and  require  encourage* 
ment,  or  to  those  that  were  not  shifted  last  autumn. 
The  roots  must  not  be  disturbed,  but  the  ball  turned 
out  entire ;  and  put  as  much  earth  as  will  raise  the  ball 
within  about  an  inch  of  the  rim  of  the  pot.  Press  the 
earth  down  around  it  with  a  thin-  narrow  piece  of 
wood,  frequently  shaking  it  that  no  vacancy  may  be 
left.  If  the  roots  are  rotten,  or  otherwise  injured,  take 
all  such  off.  If  this  be  the  case,  the  plant  will  be  sick- 
ly. Give  it  a  new  pot  of  a  smaller  size,  administering 
water  moderately  until  there  are  visible  signs  of  fresh 
growth.  The  plants  must  not  be  disturbed  while 
flowering;  let  the  repotting  be  done  afterwards.  Plants 
are,  at  certain  stages  of  growth,  if  in  good  health,  in 
such  a  state  that  no  one  can  err  in  shifting  them  when 
desirous  to  hasten  their  growth.  Those  plants  that 
make  two  or  more  growths  during  the  summer  may  be 
repotted  in  the  interim  of  any  of  these  growths,  and  all 
others  just  before  they  begin  to  push  in  the  spring; 
that  is,  when  the  wood  buds  are  perceptibly  swelled. 


MARCH.]  GREEN-HOUSE— OF  ENARCHING,  &c.  J27 

«, 

Never  saturate  with  water  fresh  potted  plants.  There 
are  many  kinds  that,  without  injury,  could  be  repotted 
when  growing ;  but  it  requires  an  experienced  operator 
to  decide.  It  would  be  of  no  material  service  to  enu- 
merate them  here.  When  done  potting,  tie  all  up 
neatly  with  stakes  rather  higher  than  the  plant,  that 
the  new  shoots  may  be  tied  thereto  during  their  stage 
of  growth,  to  prevent  them  from  being  destroyed  by 
the  wind.  There  may  be  many  that  do  not  require  re- 
potting, but  would  be  benefited  by  a  top-dressing. 
This  should  be  done  by  probing  off  all  the  surface 
earth  down  to  the  roots,  replacing  it  with  fresh  com- 
post, suitable  to  the  nature  of  the  plant. 

When  the  above  is  done,  arrange  all  the  plants  in  pro- 
per order,  and  syringe  them  clean;  but  if  there  are  any 
of  the  Green-fly,  they  must  be  fumigated  previous  to 
syringing.  Take  an  opportunity,  on  the  first  fine  day, 
to  wash  out  all  the  pavement  of  the  house,  which  should 
be  made  dry  before  the  evening  if  the  nights  are  cold. 
Thus  every  part  of  the  house  will  be  in  order  before 
the  hurry  of  the  garden  commences. 


OF  ENARCHING  OR  GRAFTING  BY  APPROACH,  also  termed 
ABLACTATION. 

IN  this  method  of  grafting,  the  scion  is  not  separated 
from  the  parent  plant  until  it  is  firmly  united  with  the 
stock;  consequently,  they  must  stand  contiguously. 
We  intend  the  following  method  to  apply  directly  to 
Camellias,  as  they  are  the  principal  plants  in  the  Green- 
house that  are  thus  worked.  The  criterion  for  the 


|28  GREEN-HOUSE— OF  ENARCHING,  &e,  [MARCH. 

operation  is,  just  as  the  plants  begin  to  grow,  either  in 
spring  or  mid-summer.  Place  the  stock  contiguous  to 
the  plant  where  the  graft  or  enarch  is  to  be  taken  from. 
If  the  branches,  where  the  intended  union  is  to  take 
place,  do  not  grow  at  equal  heights,  a  slight  stage  may 
be  erected  to  elevate  the  pot  that  holds  the  lower. 
Take  the  branch  that  is  to  be  enarched,  (the  wood  of 
last  or  previous  year  is  the  most  proper,)  and  bring  it 
in  contact  with  the  stock ;  mark  the  parts  where  they 
are  to  unite,  so  as  to  form  a  pointed  arch.  In  that  part 
of  the  branch  which  is  to  rest  against  the  stock,  pare 
off  the  bark  and  part  of  the  wood  to  about  two  or  three 
inches  in  length,  and  in  the  side  of  the  stock  which  is 
to  receive  the  graft,  do  the  same,  that  the  inside  rind 
of  each  may  be  exactly  opposite,  which  is  the  first  part 
where  a  union  will  take  place.  Bind  them  firmly  and 
neatly  together  with  strands  of  Russia  matting,  and 
protect  the  joint  from  the  air  by  a  coat  of  close  com- 
position ;  clay  of  the  consistency  of  thick  paint,  tur- 
pentine, or  wax,  will  equally  answer.  Finish  by  fast- 
ening the  grafted  branch  to  the  head  of  the  stock  or  a 
rod.  Many  practitioners  make  a  slit  or  tongue  into 
the  enarch  and  stock,  but  we  find  it  unnecessary,  more 
tedious,  and  likewise  more  danger  in  breaking.  Ca- 
mellias are  also  grafted,  and  budded,  but  these  two  ope- 
rations require  great  experience  and  continued  atten- 
tion, and  seldom  prove  so  successful  as  enarching. 
When  they  have  perfectly  taken,  which  will  be  after 
the  first  growth  is  over,  begin  to  separate  them  by  cut- 
ting the  scion  a  little  at  three  different  periods,  about 
a  week  apart,  separating  it  at  the  third  time.  If  the 


••'•    ••  '• 

v"-x     -  .  *-•;•      i 

« 

MARCH.]  FLOWER  GARDEN.  J29 

head  is  intended  to  be  taken  off  the  stock,  do  it  in  like 
manner  after  the  second  growth  is  over.  By  the  above 
method,  many  kinds  can  be  grown  on  the  same  stock. 
The  same  plan  applies  to  all  evergreens. 


MARCH. 

i 

It  is  expected  that  all  the  pruning  is  finished.  If  not, 
get  all  expeditiously  done,  according  to  directions  given 
in  the  preceding  months,  likewise  all  digging,  and  that 
which  was  dug  in  the  autumn,  point  over,  or  half  dig, 
that  all  may  have  a  neat  appearance.  This  must  not 
be  done  when  the  ground  is  too  much  imbibed  with 
moisture,  as  that  would  harden  the  soil.  Break  it  well 
with  the  spade,  leaving  it  one  or  two  days  before  the 
surface  is  raked  smooth,  that  all  may  be  ready  to  re- 
ceive the  seeds  or  plants  that  are  intended  to  be  sown 
or  planted.  As  soon  as  the  frost  is  entirely  gone,  un- 
cover all  plants  or  shrubs  that  have  been  protected ; 
preserving  carefully  such  articles  as  will  answer 
the  same  purpose  next  year.  The  frost  disappears 
generally  from  the  middle  to  the  end  of  this  month.  Cut 
off  all  decayed  shoots,  or  such  as  have  been  hurt  by 
the  frost.  The  Lagerstrcemias  will  flower  in  greater 
17 


130  FLOWER  GARDEN— BOX  EDGINGS.  [MAHRC. 

perfection  if  they  are  cut  closely ;  that  is,  where  the 
wood  of  last  year  is  cut  to  within  a  few  eyes  of  the 
wood  of  the  previous  year,  at  the  same  time  having 
regard  to  the  shape  that  the  plant  is  required  to 
take.  Cut  off  the  injured  part  of  any  of  the  evergreens 
that  have  had  their  foliage  much  injured  by  the  severity 
of  winter,  leaving  the  part  that  is  green,  which  is  es- 
sential to  the  support  of  these  kinds  of  plants. 

Such  work  as  can  be  done  in  this  month,  should  not 
be  delayed,  such  as  hoeing,  digging,  raking,  and  clear- 
ing away  all  decayed  leaves,  and  litter  of  e.very  descrip- 
tion that  have  been  brought  or  blown  in  the  garden, 

during  autumn  or  winter. 

• 

BOX  EDGINGS 

May  be  planted  any  time  this  month,  or  beginning  of 
next,  which  in  most  seasons  will  be  preferable.  We 
will  give  a  few  simple  directions  how  to  accomplish  the 
work.  In  the  first  place,  dig  over  the  ground  deeply 
where  the  edging  is  intended  to  be  planted,  breaking 
the  soil  fine,  and  keeping  it  to  a  proper  height,  viz. 
about  one  inch  higher  than  the  side  of  the  walk ;  but 
the  taste  of  the  operator  will  best  decide  according  to 
the  situation.  Rake  the  surface  even,  and  tread  it 
down  with  the  feet,  or  beat  it  with  the  spade.  Where 
it  gives  most,  continue  to  add,  keeping  the  surface 
at  the  desired  height.  If  the  edging  is  to  be  in  a  direct 
line,  either  on  a  level  or  inclined  plane,  ^you  may  be 
correctly  and  simply  regulated  by  making  the  desired 
level  at  each  end  of  the  line.  Take  three  rods  about 


MARCH.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— TENDER  ANNUALS. 

four  feet  long  each,  having  a  piece  of  one  foot  to  cross 
at  one  end,  two  of  these  pieces  painted  black,  the 
other  white.  Have  a  black  one  at  each  end  of  the 
line  on  the  level,  take  the  white  one  for  the  centre, 
going  along  the  line,  and  about  every  twenty  feet,  level 
a  spot  to  the  exact  height,  which  will  be  seen  by  look- 
ing over  the  top  of  the  rods  from  one  end.  Having 
found  the  level,  drive  in  a  peg  to  it,  so  that  no  mistake 
may  occur;  beat  and  level  between  them,  leaving  a 
smooth  surface.  This  being  done,  strain  the  line,  and 
.with  the  spade  proceed  to  cut  out  the  trench  perpen- 
dicularly on  the  side  next  the  walk,  six,  eight,  ten,  or 
twelve  inches  deep,  according  to  the  length  of  the 
plants.  Afterwards  take  the  plants,  and  cut  the  tops 
even,  with  the  knife  or  shears,  at  the  same  time 
shortening  the  roots.  Then  with  the  left  hand  next  the 
line,  plant  forward,  keeping  the  tops  of  the  plants  level, 
and  from  one  to  two  inches  above  ground,  keeping  the 
plants  close  according  to  the  required  thickness.  Put 
in  the  earth  as  you  proceed,  and  tread  it  firm,  then  rake 
the  surface  even,  and  with  the  spade  beat  it  smooth. 
If  the  weather  sets  in  very  dry,  the  box  will  be  the 
better  of  a  few  waterings.  Sometimes  boxwood  is 
planted  without  roots,  but  it  seldom  gives  satisfaction ; 
not  growing  equally. 

TENDER  ANNUALS. 

When  it  is  wished  to  have  any  of  these  flower  early, 
if  they  were  not  sown  as  directed  last  month,  on  a  hot- 
bed, let  it  be  done  early  in  this.  Those  that  were 


FLOWER  GARDEN— HARDY  ANNUALS.          [MARCH. 

sown  and  now  growing  freely,  must  have  plenty  of  air. 
In  fine  days  the  sashes  may  be  taken  off  a  few  hours 
about  mid-day;  and  where  the  plants  are  too  thick,  thin 
them  out  a  few  inches  apart,  that  the  air  may  circulate 
amongst  them.  Have  another  bed  ready  to  transplant 
them  into  about  the  end  of  this  or  beginning  of  next 
month.  When  transplanted,  sprinkle  them  with  water, 
and  shade  them  With  mats  from  the  sun,  one  or  two 
days.  By  this  treatment  they  will  be  much  stronger 
for  planting  into  the  borders,  about  the  first  of  May. 
For  the  different  kinds,  see  list. 

HARDY  ANNUALS 

May  be  sown  in  the  borders  about  the  end  of  the 
month,  when  the  ground  is  prepared,  and  the  weather 
fine,  but  avoid  it  at  all  times  if  the  earth  will  not  pulve- 
rise properly.  The  neatest  and  most  expeditious 
method  is  to  take  a  rod  about  one  foot  long,  and  one 
inch  in  diameter,  rounding  at  the  end,  .with  which  end 
draw  a  circle,  of  nine  inches  diameter,  from  one  inch 
to  one  eighth  of  an  inch  deep,  according  to  the  size  of 
the  seeds.  Many  very  small  seeds  will  grow  best  if 
sown  on  the  surface  of  fine  mould.  When  sown,  cover 
in  with  the  back  of  the  rake,  placing  a  small  twig,  or  a 
tally  with  the  name,  in  the  centre  of  the  circle,  to  prevent 
mistakes,  either  in  sowing,  planting,  or  hoeing.  When 
they  come  above  ground,  the  first  moist  day  should  be 
taken  to  pull  up  such  as  are  too  crowded.  Annuals 
are  generally  too  delicate  to  bear  transplanting,  there- 
fore they  ought  always  to  be  sown  where  they  are  in- 


MARCH.]  FLOWER  GARDEN—BIENNIALS,  &c.  ]«33 

tended  to  remain.  A  few  kinds  do  best  with  removing, 
such  as  Balsam,  Mary-gold,  China  Aster,  Stockgilly, 
and  several  others  of  a  free  growing,'  strong-wooded 
nature.  Annuals  are  such  plants  as  grow  from  seed, 
flower,  and  perfect  their  productions,  and  then  die, 
within  one  year.  For  hardy  sorts,  see  list.  Sow  in 
rows  or  fancy  spots  the  varieties  of  sweet  pea. 


BIENNIALS 

Are  such  as  are  of  two  years'  duration.  Being  sown 
this  year  they  flower,  seed,  or  fruit  next  year,  and  soon 
after  decay.  The  seeds  should  be  sown  about  the  end 
of  this  or  beginning  of  next  month,  either  in  the  spot 
where  they  are  intended  to  remain,  or  in  a  compartment 
by  themselves,  regularly  marked,  and  transplanted  when 
convenient.  When  they  appear  above  ground,  thin 
them  out  distinctly,  that  when  they  are  to  be  removed, 
a  little  earth  may  adhere  to  them;  and  if  put  where  they 
are  to  stand,  leave  only  three  plants. 

PERENNIALS. 

In  every  Flower-garden  there  ought  to  be  a  good 
selection  of  these  plants.  They  are  lasting  ornaments, 
and  when  judiciously  selected,  will  give  yearly  gratify 
cation.  In  making  a  choice,  a  view  should  be  had  to 
have  those  that  flower  abundantly,  are  of  free  growth, 
beauty,  and  continuation  of  flower.  It  would  go  beyond 
our  limits,  to  give  an  extensive  description  of  any,  but 


1 34  FLOWER-GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  [MARCH. 

a  few  remarks  on  some  of  the  finest,  with  their  names, 
are  indispensable. 

Adonis  verndlis,  is  a  fine  border  flower,  and  will  grow 
in  any  common  soil;  flowers  large,  yellow  rayed,  having 
in  the  rays  about  twelve  petals;  leaves  much  divided, 
bloom  in  April  and  May. 

Anemone,  Wind-flower.  Several  fine  species,  with 
flowers  from  one  to  three  inches  in  diameter.  A.  Hal- 
leri,  blue;  A. pulsatilla,  blue  pasque  flower;  A.  alpina, 
large  white.  These  are  fine  plants,  and  are  now  given 
to  a  genus  called  Pulsattlla.  A.palmataflbre-pleno,  yellow; 
A.  stelldta  versicokr,  various  coloured;  A. pavomna flbre- 
pleno,  scarlet;  A.  narcissiflbra,  white.  Any  of  these  are 
very  desirable. 

•  Antirrhinums,  Snap-dragon.  All  the  varieties  of  A. 
majtis  are  esteemed  in  the  flower  borders ;  the  pure 
white  and  bright  red  are  very  showy.  A  few  of  the 
species,  A.  molle  and  A.  siculum,  where  there  is  variety 
required,  deserve  a  situation.  The  flowers  are  all 
large,  and  similar  to  the  snout  of  an  animal. 

Asdepias.  The  finest  of  this  genus  are  native  plants, 
and  are  highly  esteemed  in  Europe,  but  frequently  re- 
jected with  us,  because  "  they  are  wild  plants."  A.  tu- 
berosa  has  beautiful  orange  flowers,  and  delight  in  dry 
situations.  A.  rubra,  A.  nivea,  A.  purpurdscens ;  and 
A.  incarndta,  are  the  finest  of  the  family.  It  is  best  to 
plant  A.  tuberbsa  in  October. 

Aconitums,  Wolfs'-bane,  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
eight  distinct  species,  with  several  varieties.  Many  of 
them  are  of  consequence  and  beauty ;  the  flower  stems 


MARCH.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— -PERENNIALS.  1 35 

rise  from  one  and  a  half  to  six  feet  upright,  and  strong, 
furnished  with  many  palmate  and  digitate  leaves,  ter- 
minated by  spikes  of  blue,  yellow,  or  white  flowers, 
similar  to  a  hood;  hence  the  name  of  Monk's  Hood  is 
often  applied  to  them.  They  are  scarce  in  collections, 
but  in  a  few  years  we  have  no  doubt  but  'many  of  them 
will  be  plentiful.  The  finest  species  are  A.  specibsum, 
A.  anthbra,  A.  neurbergensis,  A.  amcenum,  A.  napellus, 
A.  venustum,  A.  zooctonum,  A.  pyramiddle,  A.  lycoctonum, 
A.  album,  and  A.  versicolor.  They  flower  from  May 
to  September,  and  will  grow  in  any  common  gar- 
den soil.  The  roots  of  A.  napeflus  are  like  small 
turnips,  and  are  said  to  be  poisonous. 

Cdltha  palustris  flare-plena  is  a  good  border  plant,  de- 
lights in  moist  situations,  has  large  cordate,  crenated 
leaves ;  flowers  double  yellow ;  blooming  from  April  till 
June ;  and  is  a  desirable  plant. 

•  Bellis  perennis  hortensis,  Daisy.  We  might  almost 
say  with  another,  "  every  one  knows  the  Daisy."  It  is 
named  from  being  pretty,  and  is  perfectly  hardy, 
though  generally  kept  under  cover.  They  delight  to 
have  a  shaded  situation  during  summer,  to  protect 
them  from  the  sun,  which,  as  it  were,  scorches  the 
roots.  There  are  many  double  varieties  in  the  gar- 
dens, which  flower  early.  The  one  called  Crown,  or 
Carnation  Daisy,  is  twice  the  size  of  the  common  varie- 
ties, and  has  white  and  red  petals  alternately,  and  very 
double.  Loamy  soil,  inclined  to  moisture,  is  best 
adapted  to  their  growth. 

Campanulas.    This  genus  affords  many  very  orna- 


136  FLOWER  GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  [MARCH. 

mental  plants  for  the  Flower-garden  and  Shrubbery, 
and  they  flower  superbly  during  the  summer,  agreeing 
better  with  our  climate  than  with 'that  of  Europe.  Se- 
veral have  two  successions  of  flowers,  C.  persicifolia 
alba  plena;  C.  persicifolia  ccerulea  pleno ;  C.  urticifolia, 
white.  Of  this  last  there  is  also  a  double  variety.  C. 
speciosa;  C.  glomerata;  C.  versicolor;  with  several  others, 
are  worthy  of  a  situation  in  every  garden.  Their  roots 
are  strong,  fleshyT  and  fibrous.  They  are  easy  of  cul- 
ture, and  will  retain  their  situation  in  the  severest  of 
our  winters.  C.  grandifldra  is  now  Wahlenbergia  grandi- 
fidra.  It  has  fine  blue  large  flowers ;  the  flower  stems 
are  slender,  and  should  be  supported  as  soon  as  they 
grow. 

Cheirdnthus  Cheiri  vulgdris  is  the  common  garden 
Wall-flower.  There  are  about  ten,  varieties  of  it,  all 
admired  for  their  various  colours  and  agreeable  odour. 
The  common  variety  survives  the  mildest  of  our  wn> 
ters.  The  most  esteemed  variety  is  Hcemdnthus,  Dou- 
ble bloody.  They  should  all  be  protected  by  a  frame. 
C.  mutdbilis  is  a  beautiful  species ;  it  has  many  shades 
of  colour  from  lilac  to  dark  purple.  The  flowers  are 
on  extending  racemose  spikes ;  blooming  from  April  to 
June ;  it  requires  a  light  rich  soil ;  is  a  half  shrubby 
evergreen  plant. 

Cheldnes.    This  genus  belongs  entirely  to  this  conti-' 
nent,  and  possesses  many  fine  species.    It  is  a  matter 
of  astonishment  that  they  are  not  more  cultivated  and 
sought  for  in  our  collections.     C.  gldbra;  C.  obliqua; 
C.  barbdta  ;  C.   atropurpurea ;  C.  ptdchella ;  C.  venusta ; 


MARCH.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  137 

and  C.  speciosa;  are  all  handsome,  and  flower  from 
May  to  September;  corolla  large,  ringent ;  ventricose 
flowers  in  spikes  or  panicles. 

Chrysanthemums.  There  are  few  of  this  genus  of 
any  consequence  as  herbaceous  plants,  except  the 
varieties  of  C.  sinense,  of  which  there,  are  about  fifty, 
all  desirable ;  but  in  small  gardens,  where  there  is  a 
deficiency  in  room,  the  following  are  select  in  colour 
and  quality  :  Tubulosum  album,  quilled  white ;  superbum, 
superb  white;  discolor,  large  lilac;  fulvum,  Spanish 
brown ;  atropurpurcum,  early  crimson ;  involutum,  curled 
lilac;  fasciculdtum,  superb  cluster  yellow;  serotinum, 
late  pale  purple;  papyraceum,  paper  white;  Waralah, 
yellow  Waratah ;  versicolor,  two-coloured  red ;  stellatum, 
starry  purple;  verecundum,  early  blus-h;  and  mutabile, 
changeable  pale  buff.  To  grow  these  in  perfection, 
they  require  rich  light  soil  j  and  about  the  end  of  this 
month  the  roots  should  be  lifted,  divided,  and  planted 
into  fresh  soil,  either  by  giving  them  a  new  situation, 
or  changing  the  earth  they  were  in.  Two  or  three 
stems  together  are  quite  sufficient.  The  flowers,  by 
the  above  treatment,  will  be  much  larger,  more  double, 
and  finer  in  colour;  where  they  are  wanted  to  grow 
low  and  bushy,  top  them  in  June,  but  not  later  than 
the  first  of  July.  Where  the  soil  is  rich,  and  the  plant 
having  only  one  stem,  by  topping  it,  makes  a  beautiful 
bush.  They  are  in  flower  from  the  first  of  October 
until  severe  frost;  thus  beautifying  our  gardens  at  a 
season  when  they  would  be  destitute  of  one  single 
attraction.  If  the  season  is  dry,  to  water  them  with 


18 


]  38  FLOWER  GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  [MARCH. 

liquid  manure  will  add  to  their  vigour.  They  are  all 
natives  of  China,  and  greatly  esteemed  by  the  Chinese, 
who  only  allow  a  few  blooms  to  come  out  on  the  top 
of  each  stem,  thereby  having  the  flowers  much  finer. 

Clematis,  Virgin Js-bower.  A  few  species  are  good  her- 
baceous plants,  of  upright  growth,  and  blue  flowers,  C. 
integrifolia  ;  C.  anguslifolia;  and  C.  erecta ;  they  grow 
best  in  light  soil.  ^  ;^i 

Coreopsis,  chiefly  native  plants,  arid  free-flowering; 
colour  principally  yellow ;  flowers  rayed.  C.  tenuifolia, 

C.  verticilldta,  C.  discolor,  and  C.  tripteris,  are  the  finest 
of  the  genus,  and  will  grow  in  any  common  garden  soil. 

Delphinums.  There  are  some  showy  border  flowers 
of  these,  of  strong  growth.  The  leaves  are  much  di- 
vided ;  the  flowers  in  terminale  spikes ;  colour  blue, 
purple,  red,  white  and  yellow,  with  various  shades.  D. 
grandiflbrum,  with  its  varieties,  are  the  best  of  the  genus. 

D.  intermedium,  and  its  varieties,!),  datum,  Bee  Lark- 
spur, from  the  ringent  part  of  the  flower  being  very 
like  a  bee,  and  D.  montdnum,  are  good  varieties,  and 
easily  cultivated.     When  the  plants  become  large,  they 
ought  to  be  divided,  and  planted   in  fresh  soil.     They 
are  in  bloom  from  May  to  September. 

Didnthus.  Some  of  the  species  of  this  genus  are  the 
most  prominent  of  the  Flower-garden,  not  only  for 
their  beauty,  but  also  their  fragrance,  which  is  pecu- 
liarly grateful,  especially  in  the  well  known  and  cele- 
brated pink  and  carnation,  with  the  Sweet-william, 
which  was  esteemed,  in  the  days  of  old,  "  for  its  beauty 
to  deck  up  the  bosoms  of  the  beautiful,  and  garlands 


MARCH.]  FLOWER-GARDEN—PERENNIALS.  }  39 

and  crowns  for  pleasure."  The  finest  species  are  D. 
barbdtus,  and  D.  barbdtus  pleno,  Sweet-william ;  D.  dis- 
color ;  D.  chinensis  ;  D.  alpinus,  D.  superbus ;  D.  caryo- 
phyllus,  from  which  have  originated  the  Picotee  and  the 
Carnation ;  D.  plumdrius,  from  which  originated  the 
Double  Pink  ;  D.frdgrans  and  D.  superbus.  Several  of 
these,  although  they  will  stand  the  severest  cold,  have 
to  be  protected  in  frames  during  winter,  to  have  them 
in  the  perfection  of  beauty.  For  the  character  of  a 
Pink  and  Carnation,  see  May. 

Dictdmnus.  Two  species  of  this  genus,  D.  fraxinel- 
la  and  D.  dlbus,  have  been  cultivated  and  esteemed  up- 
wards of  two  hundred  and  forty  years.  A  plant 
of  the  first  of  these  species,  when  gently  rubbed,  emits 
an  odour  like  that  of  lemon-peel ;  and  when  bruised 
emits  a  balsamic  scent,  which  is  strongest  in  the  pedi- 
cles of  the  flowers.  They  have  glands  of  a  rusty 
colour,  that  exude  a  viscid  juice,  or  resin,  which  ex* 
hales  in  vapour,  and  in  a  dark  place  may  be  seen  to 
take  fire.  Its  flowers  are  red,  those  of  the  other  white, 
in  loose  terminale  spikes ;  the  flower  has  five  petals, 
clawed  and  unequal,  with  glandular  dots;  in  bloom 
from  May  to  July  ;  delights  in  sandy  loam. 

Dodecdtheon.  This  is  a  native  genus,  and  commonly 
called  American  cowslip.  The  generic  term,  a  name 
of  the  Romans,  signifying  twelve  gods  or  divinities,  is 
applied  with  great  absurdity  to  a  plant,  a  native  of  a 
world  the  Romans  never  saw  nor  had  any  idea  of. 
neither  resembling,  in  any  particular,  the  poetical  fancy 
of  their  writers.  The  most  admired  species  is  D.  media; 
the  flowers  are  in  umbels,  on  a  pedicle,  from  six  to 


140  FLOWER-GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  [MARCH. 

twelve  inches  high ;  the  corolla  is  rotata  reflexa,  colour 
light  purple,  bottom  of  petals  lake  and  yellow ;  hloorn- 
ingin  May.  The  white  variety  is  very  much  esteemed, 
and  surpasses  the  preceding.  The  ground  is  pure 
white,  the  bottom  of  the  petals  the  same  as  the  other. 
There  is  also  a  spotted  variety  found  on  the  banks  of 
the  Missouri.  They  delight  in  brown  loam,  a  half 
shady  situation,  inclining  to  moisture.  The  foliage 
soon  decays  after  flowering. 

Digitalis,  Fox-glove,  about  forty  species  of  annuals 
and  herbaceous  plants.  A  few  are  cultivated  in  the 
flower  borders,  and  are  very  showy.  These  are  D. 
leucophcea,  D.ferruginca,  D.  ochroleuca,  large  yellow;  and 
D.purpurdscens;  and  are  good  species.  D.purpurea  and 
D.  alba,  are  very  conspicuous  biennials ;  the  flowers  are 
solitary,  and  in  long  spikes ;  the  corolla  of  D.purpurea 
is  campanulate,  ventricose,  and  ringent;  the  interior  is 
spotted,  and  is  considered  the  finest  of  the  genus.  De- 
lights in  poor  soil,  with  a  little  shade. 

Eupatoriums.  These  generally  are  native  plants, 
not  worthy  of  notice  here,  except  for  two  species.  E. 
ccekstmum  has  syngenesious  flowers  in  flattened  panicles, 
colour  fine  light  blue,  blooming  from  September  to 
November,  desirable  for  its  beauty  at  that  season.  E. 
aromdticum  may  be  cultivated  for  its  spicy  odour; 
flowers  white,  in  loose  terminale  panicles ;  blooming 
from  August  to  October.  Either  of  them  will  grow  in 
common  soil. 

Gentianas,  a  genus  of  very  showy  plants,  and  flower  in 
great  abundance.  The  flowers  are  tubular  and  inflat- 
ed ;  colour  generally  blue.  A  few  species  are  yellow, 


MARCH.]  FLO  WER-GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  141 

and  some  white ;  flowers  in  whorls,  terminale,  or  soli- 
tary. They  grow  best  in  a  light  rich  soil.  G.  lutea,  G. 
purpurea,  G.  septemfida.  G.  acaulis  is  a  pretty  dwarf 
growing  species,  and  often  used  as  edgings  in  flower 
compartments;  the  flower  dark  and  light  blue;  interior 
of  the  corolla  spotted;  has  a  succession  of  flower  from 
April  to  June.  We  have  no  doubt  of  it  succeeding  in 
our  gardens,  but  not  being  plentiful,  it  has  not  been 
perfectly  tried.  A  few  years  will  exhibit  it  in  abun- 
dance. G.  imbricata  and  G.  conferta.  They  are  all 
fine  exotics,  but  many  of  them  may  give  place  to  our 
native  species,  such  as  G.  Catesbcei, ;  G.  ochroleuca ;  G. 
incarnata;  with  several  others,  and  G.  crinata,  which 
is  a  biennial,  and  finely  fringed ;  colour  light  blue. 

Geum.  There  are  only  two  species  that  are  worth 
cultivation,  viz.  G.  quellyon,  once  G.  coccineum;  and 
G.  hybridum.  G.  urbdnum  is  sometimes  cultivated  for 
its  roots,  which,  when  chewed,  sweeten  the  breath. 
They  are  all  of  easy  culture.  G.  quellyon  flowers  from 
May  to  October,  aud  is  a  very  desirable  small  plant  for 
the  borders,  and  much  esteemed  in  Europe. 

Hemerocdllis,  Day  Lily;  two  species,  H.fulva  and  H. 
graminea,  flower  well,  and  are  remarkable  among  the 
border  flowers  for  their  large  yellow  or  copper  colour- 
ed corollas,  some  of  them  about  six  inches  diameter ; 
bloom  from  May  to  July,  and  will  grow  in  almost  any 
soil.  There  is  a  plant  known  in  our  gardens  as  H. 
carulea,  which  is  Funkia  ccerulea,  and  has  a  campanu- 
late  corolla,  with  a  cylindrical  tube ;  flowers  in  spikes ; 
leaves  ovate,  accuminate. 

Hibiscus.      There  are  several  herbaceous  species 


142  FLOWER  GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  [MARCH. 

very  showy  and  handsome,  H.  palustris  ;  H.  roseus;  H. 
militaris;  H.  speciosus;  H.  grandifldrus ;  and  H.  pun- 
gens.  They  grow  best  in  moist  situations,  and  where 
these  are  not  to  be  had,  give  them  plenty  of  water, 
and  plant  in  sandy  soil  enriched  with  decayed  leaves. 
The  flowers  are  about  six  inches  in  diameter,  flower- 
ing up  the  stem,  either  solitary  or  in  small  bunches. 
H.  speciosus  is  the  most  splendid,  and  deserves  a  situa- 
tion in  every  garden.  The  roots  in  winter  ought  to 
be  covered  by  litter,  tan,  or  saw  dust ;  but  a  better  me- 
thod is  to  lift  them,  and  put  them  in  the  cellar,  covered 
with  dry  earth,  and  kept  from  the  frost.  All  the  above 
mentioned  species  are  improved  by  being  protected 
during  winter. 

7m,  Flower-de-luce,  has  many  fine  species  of  various 
shades  and  colours,  /.  subiflbra,  L  nepalensis,  I.  Palldsii, 
./.  pallida,  L  cristdta,  L  arendria,  L  furcata,  I.  germanica, 
L  florentlna,  L  verna,  and  /.  susidna.  The  last  is  the 
finest  of  the  herbaceous  species;  the  flowers  are  striped, 
blue,  brown,  and  spotted;  but  we  are  not  certain  if  it 
will  stand  the  severity  of  our  winters.  The  roots  of/. 
florenllna  is  the  orrice  root  of  the  druggists.  They  are 
all  of  easy  culture  in  any  loamy  soil  inclining  to  mois- 
ture. The  bulbous  species  will  be  treated  of  in  Sep- 
tember or  October.  Corolla  six-petaled,  three  erect, 
and  three  reclined  alternately;  proceeding  from  spathes 
or  sheaths  with  flowers  in  succession. 

Llatris  is  a  genus  of  native  plants,  containing  seve- 
ral fine  species,  L.  squarrosa,  large  purple  heads  of 
beautiful  flowers ;  L.  elegans  ;  L.  paniculdta.  L.  macros- 
tachya,  now  L.  spicata,  is  a  fine  large  growing  species. 


MARCH.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  143 

They  have  syngenesious  purple  flowers  in  long  close 
spikes,  differing  from  other  spiked  flowering  genera  by 
blooming  first  at  the  extremity.  They  grow  best  in 
strong  heavy  soil. 

Lychnis.  Three  species  are  very  desirable  in  the 
flower  borders.  L.  chalcedonica  has  bright  scarlet 
crowned  flowers ;  the  double  scarlet  variety  is  splendid. 
There  is  also  a  double  white  variety,  L.  fulgens  and  L. 
flos-jbvis.  They  ought  to  be  frequently  lifted,  and 
planted  afresh,  or  they  will  dwindle  to  nothing.  The 
best  time  is  when  they  begin  to  grow.  There  is  a 
plant  known  in  our  collections  as  Lychnis  flos-cucula, 
which  is  now  Jlgrostema  flos-cmiila ;  it  is  a  fine  and 
showy  border  plant  with  double  red  flowers.  They  de- 
light in  a  light  sandy  rich  soil. 

Lythrums.  A  few  species  flower  well,  and  have 
small  pink  blossoms  in  great  profusion,  L.  alatum,  L. 
virgdtum,  L.  diffusum,  and  L.  lanceoldtum.  They  will 
grow  in  any  common  garden  soil  if  not  too  much 
shaded ;  and  flower  from  June  to  September. 

Mimulus,  Monkey-flower.  A  few  species  may  be 
cultivated.  They  will  grow  in  any  soil  or  situation. 
M.  luteus  and  M.  rivularis  are  the  best.  M.  moschdtits 
has  a  very  strong  musk  scent,  to  many  agreeable.  We 
think  it  will  prove  hardy.  The  two  former  have  large 
gaping  flowers,  of  a  gold  yellow,  and  beautifully  spot- 
ted with  purple  in  the  interior. 

Mondrdas,  a  fine  native  genus  and  showy.  The  foli- 
age of  several  of  the  species  is  aromatic,  and  resem- 
bles mint.  M.  didyma  has  long  scarlet  ringent  flowers, 
in  headed  whorls;  M.  kalmiana,  flowers  very  long, 


.r      •    • 

L-.*=* 


144  FLOWER  GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  [MARCH, 

and  a  beatiful  crimson,  with  fragrant  leaves.  M.  Rus- 
selliana  has  red  and  white  flowers ;  curious  and  hand- 
some. M.  punctata  has  yellow  and  red  flowers ;  they 
grow  in  any  common  soil. 

Mathiola,  is  the  generic  of  the  Stock-gilly.  None  of 
them  will  survive  severe  winters ;  yet  many  of  them 
are  indispensable  in  the  Flower-garden.  M.  simpli- 
cicdulis,  Brompton-stock  and  its  varieties ;  with  M.  inca- 
na.  Queen-stock,  and  its  varieties,  require  the  protec- 
tion of  a  good  frame  in  winter,  and  about  the  end  of 
this  month,  or  beginning  of  next,  plant  them  in  good 
light  rich  soil  to  flower,  which  they  will  do  all  summer, 
if  attended  to  with  frequent  supplies  of  water.  M.  an- 
nua  has  about  sixteen  varieties,  valuable  for  flowering 
the  first  year  from  seed,  and  are  all  annuals.  They 
ought  to  be  sown  on  a  gentle  hot-bed  about  the  first  of 
this  month,  and  carefully  pricked  out  so  as  they  may 
be  ready  to  transplant  about  the  end  of  April  or  the 
first  of  May.  Plant  them  in  light  rich  soil,  and  they 
will  flower  profusely  through  the  season ;  if  it  is  very 
dry,  they  must  be  watered  to  keep  them  growing.  The 
scarlet,  white,  and  purple  varieties  are  the  finest;  but 
there  are  many  intermediate  sorts  all  handsome.  M. 
glabra  is  the  Wall-flower  leaved  stock,  and  requires  the 
same  treatment  as  the  two  former.  There  are  about 
eight  varieties  of  this,  all  various  in  colour.  In  plant- 
ing any  of  these  into  the  open  ground,  choose  cloudy 
weather,  except  they  have  been  in  pots ;  in  such  case, 
plant  at  any  time  in  beds,  keeping  each  kind  separate. 

(Enothbras.     The  most  of  them  are  indigenous,  and 
in  Europe  they  afford  a  continual  ornament  to  the 


MARCH.]  FLOWER-GARDEN—PERENNIALS.  J  45 

Flower-garden  from  April  to  November,  but  in  our 
gardens  they  are  entirely  neglected.  By  rejecting 
these  and  many  others,  our  Flower-gardens  are  de- 
prived both  of  much  beauty  and  interest  they  might 
easily  possess.  These  plants  delight  in  light  rich  soil. 
GE.  odorata,  sweet  scented ;  CE.  macrocdrpa  ;  (E.  media  ; 
CE.  latiflora;  QE.  Frazeri;  CE.  specidsa ;  and  (E.  pdllida  ; 
are  all  fine  native  herbaceous  plants,  mostly  with  large 
yellow  four-petaled  corollas;  in  bloom  from  April  to 
September.  There  are  several  of  them  beautiful  an- 
nual and  biennial  plants.  For  the  finest,  see  list. 

Phlox,  another  American  genus,  and  one  of  the 
most  handsome  in  cultivation.  It  consists  of  elegant 
border  flowers,  valuable  for  flowering  early,  and  more 
so  for  blossoming  late  in  autumn.  While  the  majority 
of  plants  blooming  late  in  the  season  are  generally 
syngenesious,  with  yellow  flowers,  these  delight 
us  with  their  lively  colours  of  purple,  red,  and  white. 
A  collection  of  them  properly  attended  to,  would  of 
themselves  constitute  a  beautiful  flower  garden.  It 
will  be  difficult  to  state  which  are  the  finest,  but  the 
following  are  select  varieties :  P.  paniculdta  ;  P.  acumi- 
nata ;  P.  intermedia ;  P.  odordta ;  P.  pyramidalis  ;  with 
pyramidalis  alba,  which  is  splendid;  P.  suaveolens ;  P. 
reflexa  ;  P.  stolonifera  ;  P.  pilosa  ;  P.  divaricata  ;  P.  niva- 
lis ;  and  P.  subuldta.  In  the  spring  of  1831,  an  emi- 
nent British  collector*  exclaimed,  on  seeing  a  patch 
of  P.  subuldta  in  one  of  the  pine  barrens  of  New  Jer- 
sey, "  The  beauty  of  that  alone  is  worth  coming  to 
America  to  see,  it  is  so  splendid."  Most  of  the  spe- 

*  Mr.  Drummond. 
19 


146  FLOWER-GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  [MAKCH. 

cies  delight  in  a  rich  light  sandy  loam.  When  the 
plants  become  large,  they  ought  to  be  divided,  and 
planted  in  fresh  ground. 

Primulas,  Primrose.  To  this  genus  belong  the  cele- 
brated Cowslip,  Oxlip,  Primrose,  and  the  esteemed 
Auricula.  The  double  varieties  of  Primrose  have  ori- 
ginated from  P.  vulgdris.  These  are  such  as  carry 
their  flowers  on  separate  pedicles,  rising  from  the  root 
on  a  small  stem.  The  double  varieties  are  desirable 
for  their  beauty,  but  require  the  protection  of  a  frame 
during  winter.  They  are  in  colour  red,  white,  yellow, 
lilac,  purple,  and  crimson.  P.  eldtior  is  the  Oxlip,  from 
which  all  the  Polyanthuses  have  been  grown.  They  are 
in  variety  innumerable,  and  are  those  whose  flowers 
are  in  umbels,  on  a  scape  or  flower-stalk,  rising  from 
three  to  nine  inches.  The  rules  for  judging  of  their 
merits  are  wholly  artificial,  agreed  on  from  time  to 
time  by  Florists.  The  one  that  is  the  leading  beauty 
this  year  would  in  a  few  years  be  far  in  the  rear.  The 
principal  character  is  that  the  corolla  is  not  notched 
or  fringed ;  the  colours  pure  and  distinct,  not  running 
into  one  another;  the  tube  small;  the  eye  round,  and  a 
little  prominent.  Being  surrounded  with  white,  and 
the  ground  purple,  is  a  fine  character.  P.  auricula. 
From  this  the  highly  esteemed  varieties  have  originat- 
ed. The  cultivated  auricula  has  many  admirers,  both 
for  its  exquisite  beauty  and  fragrance.  For  the  cri- 
terion of  a  fine  flower  see  May.  There  are  several 
other  species  worthy  of  a  situation,  such  as  P.  cortu- 
soides,  P.  dentiflora,  P.  suaveolens,  P.  decora,  with  P.  sco- 
tica  and  P.  farinbsa,  both  small  neat  species.  A  shady 


MARCH.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  1 47 

situation  agrees  best  with  them;  and  they  require 
loamy  soil,  free  from  any  kind  of  manure,  except  it  be 
fully  decomposed.  The  leaves  of  P.  veris  are  recom- 
mended for  feeding  silk  worms. 

Potentillas.  We  mention  this  genus  here  as  afford- 
ing several  free  flowering  dwarf  plants;  not  as  being 
certain  that  any  of  the  most  desired  species  will  with- 
stand our  winters,  being  natives  of  Nepaul;  but,  from 
the  character  of  the  plant,  we  think  that  they  are 
adapted  to  bear  severe  cold.  They  are  similar  to  the 
strawberry  in  habit  and  appearance.  P.  nepalensis,  or 
formosa,  has  rose-coloured  flowers;  P.  atropurpurea ; 
P.  Russelliana,  scarlet;  P.  Hopwoodiana,  rose  and  scar- 
let ;  and  P.  splendens,  yellow,  with  superb  leaves.  These 
are  the  finest  of  the  genus,  and  flower  from  May  to 
September.  It  will  be  well  to  protect  them  in  a  frame 
with  the  Carnations ;  they  delight  in  light  soil. 

Saponaria  officindlis,  and  S.  O.  plena,  are  fine  free- 
flowering  dwarf  plants;  the  colour  is  pink  in  both  dou- 
ble and  single  varieties.  The  roots  run  under  ground, 
and  care  should  be  taken  to  keep  them  within  bounds: 
they  flower  from  June  till  October.  S.  ccespitbsa  is  a  neat 
growing  species  of  a  rose  colour.  They  will  grow  in 
any  soil. 

Silene.  Several  of  this  genus  are  popular  annuals, 
but  the  herbaceous  species  are  very  indifferent.  S. 
viscosa  and  S.  mscosa  flore  plena,  are  frequently  cultivated 
for  their  beauty;  they  will  grow  well  if  not  too  much 
shaded. 

Saxifraga,  above  one  hundred  species.  Many  of 
them  are  beautiful  plants  for  rock-work.  They  are  re- 


148  FLOWER  GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  [MARCH. 

gardless  of  cold,  but  will  not  generally  withstand  much 
moisture.  A  few  of  them  are  highly  deserving  a  situa- 
tion in  any  garden.  *  S.  hirmtum,  and  £  crassifolia,  are 
used  in  some  countries  for  tanning.  S.  granulata  mul- 
tiplex has  fine  double-white  flowers,  and  is  desirable. 
S.  nmbrosa,  London-pride,  makes  a  beautiful  edging 
for  a  flower  border;  the  flowers  are  small,  buUon  close 
examination  its  colours  are  unrivalled.  It  is  vulgarly 
called,  "none  so  pretty."  S.  sarmentosais  kept  in  the 
Green-house,  but  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  makes  a  fine 
plant  in  a  shaded  situation.  We  have  no  doubt  but  it 
would  make  a  good  fancy  edging.  S.  pulchella,  straw 
coloured,  and  S.  pyramidalis ;  these  are  all  easily  culti- 
vated ;  and  flower  in  spikes  from  May  to  July. 

Spiraeas.  A  few  species  are  showy  plants,  and  con- 
tinue flowering  from  May  to  September.  S.  ulmdria 
multiplex,  Meadow-sweet,  has  sweet  scented  white 
flowers,  in  long  dense  spikes.  S.  Filipendida  multiplex, 
Drop-wort,  double  white.  S.  lobata  is  a  native,  and 
has  fine  rose  coloured  flowers,  in  June  and  July;  these 
are  the  finest  of  the  herbaceous  species,  and  will  grow 
in  any  common  garden  soil. 

Stdtice,  Thrift.  A  genus  containing  many  fine  herba- 
ceous plants,  only  a  few  of  them  are  common  in  collec- 
tions. The  finest  of  them  are  scarce,  and  said  to  be 
"  bad  to  cultivate."  S.  vulgaris,  once  Armeria  vulgdris, 
is  the  most  valuable  plant  for  an  edging,  next  to  box, 
that  the  Flower-garden  is  possessed  of,  and  does  ex- 
tremely well  in  our  climate,  flowering  in  great  profusion 
from  May  to  July.  When  done  flowering,  the  stems 
should  be  cut  off.  The  foliage  is  an  agreeable 


MARCH.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— PERENNIALS,  &c.  J49 

t 

evergreen;  the  plant  increases  rapidly,  and  in  a  few 
years  may  be  planted  to  a  great  extent.  S.  speciosa  has 
red  flowers,  crowded  in  spreading  panicles.  S.  tatdrica 
has  also  very  showy  flowers,  and  is  now  given  to  the 
genus  Taxdnthema.  S.  latifblia  and  S.  maritlma  are  the 
finest.  T.  latifblia  |and  T.  conspicua  deserve  attention. 
They  should  be  lifted  every  alternate  year,  and  sunk 
deeper  into  the  soil,  because  they  incline  to  grow  out, 
and  are  sometimes  during  summer  killed  by  the  drought. 
Hence  they  are  said  to  be  "  bad  to  cultivate." 

Trollim  europceus,  and  T.  asidticus,  are  fine  border 
plants,  with  large  yellow  semi-double  flowers;  the  petals 
are  much  cupped,  which  causes  the  flowers  to  have  a 
globular  appearance.  They  are  easily  grown  in  any 
loamy  soil,  and  flower  from  May  to  July.  Few  flowers 
have  the  curious  globular  character  which  these  have. 

Veronica,  Speed-well  This  genus  consists  of  about 
one  hundred  and  twenty  species  of  herbaceous  plants, 
besides  several  varieties.  The  flowers  are  in  long 
close  spikes,  either  white,  flesh  coloured,  or  blue ;  they 
are  generally  of  the  latter  colour.  Above  sixty  species 
are  equally  fine,  and  being  generally  of  the  same  cha- 
racter, the  Catalogue  at  the  end  of  this  work  will  con- 
tain the  best  selection  that  we  can  make.  Very  few 
of  them  are  in  the  collections  of  the  country,  although 
they  are  very  showy,  and  flower  from  June  to  August. 
They  will  grow  in  any  soil,  but  will  not  flourish  where 
they  are  much  shaded.  V.  officindlis  has  been  used  in 
Germany  and  Sweden  as  a  substitute  for  tea.  Some 
prefer  V.  cham&drys  for  the  same  purpose. 

Vaknanas.  Several  species  are  showy  border  plants, 


150  FLOWER-GARDEN— PERENNIALS.  {MARCH. 

with  small  flowers  in  large  close  flattened  panicles.  V. 
dioica  is  remarkable  for  having  the  stamens  and  pistils 
in  separate  flowers,  situated  on  different  plants ;  the 
flowers  are  of  a  blush  colour,  and  the  roots  when 
planted  must  be  protected  from  the  cats,  for  they  are 
delighted  with  them,  and  scrape  them  up.  V.  phu,  a 
large  growing  species  with  white  flowers;  and  V.  rubra, 
with  its  varieties,  are  the  finest  of  the  genus.  They 
are  now  given  to  Centranthus.  They  are  all  of  easy 
culture  in  common  garden  earth,  but  preferring  moist 
shady  situations.  In  flower  from  May  to  September. 

Viola,  a  genus  consisting  of  upwards  of  eighty  spe- 
cies, of  low  pretty  plants,  of  great  diversity  of  colour 
and  foliage.  Many  of  them  are  natives,  and  well  worth 
a  situation  in  our  gardens.  They  mostly  delight  in 
sandy  loam,  and  a  little  shade.  A  few  of  the  species 
grow  in  moist  situations.  The  most  esteemed  varie- 
ties for  fragrance  are,  V.  odorata  purpirea  pl&na,  double 
purple,  with  V.  odorata  alba  plena,  double  white.  They 
flower  very  early,  and  make  good  edgings  where  they 
are  kept  in  order ;  flowering  profusely  from  April  to 
June,  and  flowering  again  in  autumn. 

yucca,  Adam's-needle.  This  is  a  very  showy  and  or- 
namental genus ;  their  character  forming  a  picturesque 
contrast  in  the  Flower-garden ;  foliage  long,  narrow, 
lanceolate,  and  stiff;  with  white  companulate  flowers, 
about  two  inches  in  diameter,  in  conical  spikes  from 
two  to  four  feet  long,  arising  from  the  centre  of  the 
plant,  containing  frequently  from  two  to  four  hundred 
florets.  They  are  principally  native  plants.  Y.  stricta 
is  the  freest  flowerer.  Y.  superba ;  Y.  akifolia ;  Y. 


MARCH.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— PERENNIALS. 

anguslifblia,  Y.  acuminata,  Y.  serrulata,  and  Y.  filamentbsa, 
are  all  fine  species,  and  will  grow  in  any  common  soil. 
When  in  flower,  if  protected  from  the  sun  by  an  awn- 
ing, they  will  be  of  considerable  duration.  There  are 
variegated  varieties  of  Stricta^  JUoifblia,  and  Serruldta^ 
which  look  very  handsome  in  foliage,  but  are  at 
present  very  rare,  and  it  will  be  a  number  of  years  be- 
fore they  are  plentiful.  There  ought  at  least  to  be  one 
specimen  of  some  of  the  free-flowering  species  in  every 
garden. 

Having  given  the  names  and  characters  of  a  few 
herbaceous  plants,  all  or  most  of  them  easily  obtained, 
many  of  them  extremely  handsome,  and  such  as 
agree  best  with  transplanting  at  this  season  of  the 
year;  for  several  others,  such  as  Pceonias,  or  any  other 
strong  fibrous  or  bulbous  sorts,  see  September  and  Octo- 
ber. Where  they  are  in  pots,  they  can  be  planted  at 
any  time,  the  weather  permitting,  provided  the  ball  of 
earth  is  not  broken.  But  where  they  are  only  to  be 
removed,  the  best  time  is  just  as  vegetation  commences. 
That  herbaceous  plants  may  look  to  the  best  advan- 
tage, and  flower  well,  they  must  not  be  allowed  to  get 
into  large  stools ;  but  as  soon  as  they  are  above  one 
foot  in  diameter,  they  should  be  divided. 

Very  frequently  those  who  perform  this  operation, 
take  the  spade,  and  cut  a  piece  off  all  round,  which  to  a 
degree  improves  the  look  of  the  plant ;  but  this  is  only 
half  justice.  It  should  be  lifted  entirely,  fresh  soil 
given,  or  removed  a  few  feet,  and  planted  a  little  deeper 
than  it  was  before,  as  the  plant  tends  apparently  to 
grow  out  of  the  soil  when  allowed  to  stand  long.  If 


152       ft*'      FLOWER-GARDEN—  BULBOUS  ROOTS-  [MA*CH. 

the  weather  becomes  dry  shortly  after  transplanting, 
give  them  a  few  waterings,  until  they  have  taken  fresh 
roots,  which  will  be  within  two  weeks.  Colour  should 
be  diversified  through  the  garden  as  much  as  practica- 
ble, and  the  highest  growing  sorts  planted  farthest  from 
the  walk,  go  as  all  may  appear  in  view.  At  all  times 
avoid  crowding  the  plants  together. 


BULBOUS  ROOTS* 

About  the  middle  of  this  month,  let  the  covering  of 
tan,  saw-dust,  or  decayed  leaves,  be  cleared  from  the 
beds  of  such  as  were  directed  to  be  covered  in  Novem- 
ber; afterwards  carefully  stirring  the  surface  among 
them  with  a  kind  of  wooden  spatula,  or  wedge,  break- 
ing the  surface  fine;  then  dress  all  the  alleys  smooth 
and  neat  with  the  hoe  and  rake,  clearing  away  every 
particle  of  litter.  When  the  leaves  of  Tulips  are  ex- 
panding, they  frequently  become  entangled  so  much, 
that  the  force  of  growth  breaks  the  foliage:  if  there  are 
any  appearance  of  this  at  any  time,  they  should  be  set 
right  with  the  hand.  In  early  seasons  these  roots  will 
be  far  advanced,  and  perhaps  one  night  of  frost  unex- 
pectedly might  materially  injure  them.  When  there  is 
any  suspicion  of  cold  weather,  hoops  should  be  spanned 
across  the  beds,  so  that  the  necessary  mats  or  canvass 
could  in  a  few  minutes  be  placed  over  them,  to  ward 
off  danger.  Protect  the  finest  sorts  from  heavy  drench- 
ing rains,  and  give  them  small  neat  rods  for  support, 
as  they  grow  up.  If  the  rods  and  tyings  are  painted 
green,  the  effect  will  be  improved.  These  directions 


• 

-V  -•'      •-    :*'  ^  Wl 

>'."'.  '  '  ' 

MARCH.]  FLOWER-GARDEN—CARNATIONS,  &c.  1 53 

equally  apply  to  Narcissus,  Jonquils,  Iris,  and  all  Hol- 
land bulbs. 

m^K^j 

CARNATIONS,  PINKS,  PRIMROSES,  &c. 

Which  have  been  protected  by  frames  through  the 
winter,  must  have  at  all  favourable  opportunities 
plenty  of  air  admitted  to  them  by  lifting  the  sashes, 
and  in  fine  mild  days  and  nights,  the  sashes  may  be 
taken  entirely  off.  Divest  them  of  all  decayed  leaves, 
and  stir  up  the  earth  on  the  surface  of  the  pots ; 
those  that  are  intended  to  be  planted  in  the  garden 
may  be  set  to  one  side,  while  those  that  are  to  be  kept 
in  pots  must  be  more  strictly  attended  to.  Of  these  the 
Pinks  and  Carnations  should  be  repotted  about  the  first 
of  the  month.  Those  that  have  been  kept  in  four  inch 
pots,  should  be  put  into  pots  of  seven  inches,  and  those 
that  are  in  five  inch  pots  may  be  put  into  eight  inch. 
Give  a  gentle  watering  after  repotting.  Pinks  do  not 
require  the  pots  so  large,  but  the  same  treatment  in 
every  other  respect.  Where  the  extremity  of  the  leaves 
are  decayed,  cut  them  off,  with  any  other  decayed 
leaves  :  the  pots  must  be  well  drained  with  shivers  or 
fine  gravel.  Give  them  plenty  of  air,  otherwise  they 
will  be  weak  in  growth. 

Primroses  require  only  a  little  fresh  earth  on  the  top 
of  the  pots.  Daisies  may  be  planted  out  in  shady 
situations;  the  sun  destroys  them  during  summer  if 
exposed. 

20 


154  FLOWER  GARDEN- AURICULAS.  [MARCH. 

AURICULAS. 

These  beautiful  and  highly  interesting  plants  are,  to 
a  great  degree,  neglected  in  our  collections.  It  cannot 
be  from  want  of  beauty  or  fragrance  that  they  have 
not  attracted  our  attention,  for  they  are  exquisite  in 
both.  We  are  rather  inclined  to  think  that  those  who 
have  them  do  not  give  them  the  treatment  they  require 
yearly  to  perfect  their  bloom.  They  should  now  have 
the  surface  earth  taken  off  about  half  an  inch  down, 
and  fresh  soil  added,  which  will  cause  them  to  put  out 
fresh  fibres  about  the  upper  part  of  the  roots,  and 
greatly  increase  their  growth.  The  frame  in  which 
they  are  placed  should  now  face  the  east,  as  the  sun 
will  be  too  strong  for  them ;  and  about  the  end  of  the 
month  turn  it  to  the  north.  The  glass  of  the  frame 
may  be  white-washed,  which  will  partially  shade 
them  from  the  sun,  that  being  their  delight.  Give 
them  water  sparingly  until  they  begin  to  grow,  and 
never  water  them  over  the  foliage  previous  to  flower- 
ing, as  water  injures  that  fine  mealy-like  substance 
found  on  many  of  the  sorts,  and  which  so  greatly 
improves  their  beauty.  Defend  them,  therefore, 
from  rain  and  high  winds.  To  have  them  flower 
strongly,  only  one  flower  stem  should  be  allowed  to 
grow.  The  first  one  that  shows  is  generally  the  best. 
At  all  events  leave  the  strongest,  and  cut  off*  all  the 
others,  or  only  nip  off  the  flower  pips,  which  answers 
the  same  end.  Never  keep  the  sash  off  during  night, 
lest  it  should  rain  before  morning. 


MARCH.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— RANUNCULUS,  &c.  155 

RANUNCULUS  AND  ANEMONE. 

The  frames  must  have  plenty  of  air,  and  give  fre- 
quent sprinklings  of  water.  The  sashes  or  boards 
should  be  taken  entirely  off  every,  mild  day,  and  in  fine 
nights  leave  them  exposed  to  the  dew;  stir  up  the 
earth  amongst  them,  breaking  it  fine,  making  all  neat. 
They  require  liberal  supplies  of  water  after  they  begin 
to  grow. 

ROSES. 

This  is  the  most  favourable  month  for  planting  all 
kinds  of  garden  roses,  which  must  be  done  as  soon  as 
the  weather  opens,  and  the  ground  in  a  proper  state. 
The  earlier  in  the  month  they  flower  the  more  perfect 
they  will  be.  Never  delay  planting  when  there  is  an 
opportunity ;  for  if  delayed  until  the  leaves  are  expand- 
ing, the  bloom  will  be  much  weakened,  and  the  proba- 
bility is  there  will  be  no  flowers,  arid  the  plants  meet 
with  a  premature  death.  It  has  been  said,  "  there  is  a 
particular  advantage  in  planting  some  every  ten  days, 
even  to  the  middle  of  May;  for  the  flowering  of  them 
may  be  retarded  in  this  way,  and  the  bloom  of  these 
delightful  shrubs  continue  for  a  much  longer  period." 
One  moment's  reflection  will  convince  us,  that  nature, 
while  in  her  own  element,  will  not  be  retarded,  sup- 
pose there  was  no  danger  of  instantaneous  death  to 
the  plants.  The  artificial  means  that  might  be  judi- 
ciously adopted,  with  which  we  are  acquainted,  to  keep 
back  the  blooming  of  hardy  plants,  is  to  lift  them  as 


. 
156  FLOWER-GARDEN— ROSES.  [MARCH. 

soon  in  spring  as  is  practicable,  put  them  in  boxes  of 
earth,  and  then  place  them  in  the  driest  part  of  an  ice- 
house until  the  desired  time  of  planting,  which  may  be 
delayed  as  long  as  the  required  time  of  flowering. 
This  will  be  found  a  true  method  of  retarding  the 
flowering  of  roses  especially,  and  not  going  counter  to 
the  rules  and  principles  of  nature.  There  are  many 
beautiful  varieties  of  the  garden  rose  in  cultivation, 
the  names  of  the  finest  of  which  we  will  give  in  the 
Catalogue,  but  perhaps  it  may  be  proper  to  mention 
here  a  few  of  the  most  particular  sorts.  The  finest 
unquestionably  when  in  bloom,  is  the  Moss  and  its  va- 
rieties, but  the  flowering  is  of  so  limited  duration,  that  it 
is  in  a  great  degree  surpassed  by  others.  There  is 
said  to  be  a  striped  variety  of  the  Moss  Rose,  but  we 
do  not  credit  it.  The  Blush  Moss,  Clinton  White  Moss, 
and  Mottled  Moss,  at  present  certainly  are  the  most  su- 
perb of  that  kind.  Lee's  Crimson  Perpetual  is  a  magnifi- 
cent rose,  and  flowers  in  profusion  from  June  to  Octo- 
ber. This  is  considered,  and  justly  too,  the  finest  of  all 
the  garden  roses ;  its  fragrance  is  exquisite,  and  the 
plant  highly  valued.  There  is  a  striped  Unique  Rose, 
and  a  Rosa  tricolor,  which  are  much  thought  of.  We 
have  mentioned  these  as  the  finest  we  have  seen,  but 
amongst  two  thousand  cultivated  varieties  of  the  gar- 
den rose,  there  must  be  many  of  equal  beauty.  Of 
Rosa  spinosissima  there  .are  above  three  hundred  varie- 
ties ;  R.  gdllica;  two  hundred ;  R.  centifolia,  one  hundred 
and  fifty ;  R.  damascene,  above  one  hundred ;  R.  alba, 
fifty ;  R.  rubiginosa,  thirty ;  and  of  various  sorts  above 
eleven  hundred.  In  several  individual  collections  of 

* 


MARCH.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— ROSES.  157 

Europe,  there  are  cultivated  above   fifteen   hundred 
species,  sub-species,  and  varieties. 

When  planted,  they  are  too  frequently  crowded  in- 
discriminately amongst  other  shrubs,  which  prevents 
them  having  the  effect  they  would  have  if  planted  singly 
or  grouped.  They  vary  in  size  in  different  sorts  from 
one  to  ten  feet.  When  planted  in  the  latter  method,  they 
should  be  assimilated  in  size  of  leaves  and  manner  of 
growth,  with  the  greatest  variation  of  flower ;  or  if 
planted  in  many  small  patches,  giving  each  a  distinct 
colour,  which  has  a  picturesque  effect.  An  other  desi- 
rable and  fanciful  method,  is  to  plant  them  in  figures, 
giving  them  edgings  of  wire,  willow,  or  any  other  sub- 
stitute, in  imitation  of  basket  work,  which  is  called 
"  baskets  of  roses;"  the  ground  enclosed  in  the  basket 
margin  to  be  made  convex,  which  will  present  a  greater 
surface  to  the  eye ;  the  strong  shoots  to  be  layered,  or 
kept  down  by  pegs  into  the  ground,  having  the 
points  of  the  shoots  only  to  appear  above  the 
soil,  which  should  be  covered  with  moss.  With  this 
treatment,  in  a  few  years  the  whole  surface  of  the  bas- 
ket will  be  covered  with  rose  buds  and  leaves,  of  one 
or  various  sorts.  If  two  or  three  of  the  larger  growing 
sorts  are  taken,  such  as  Moss  or  Provins,  they  may  be 
trained  so  as  to  cover  a  surface  of  several  square  yards. 
One  of  these  covered  with  Lee's  Crimson  Perpetual 
Rose,  would  be  one  of  the  greatest  ornaments  of  the 
Flower-garden. 

A  modern  invention  in  the  cultivation  of  the  rose  is, 
to  grow  them  in  shape  of  trees,  by  budding  on  strong 
growing  kinds  at  different  heights  from  the  ground, 


158  FLOWER  GARDEN— ROSES.  [MARCH, 

according  to  taste,  and  the  purposes  intended.  They 
will  form  in  a  few  years  handsome  round  heads,  which 
will  flower  more  freely  than  by  layers,  or  trained  on 
their  own  stalk.  They  are  particularly  desirable 
amongst  low  shrubs.  When  planted,  they  should  be 
well  supported  by  strong  rods,  to  prevent  the  wind 
from  destroying  them.  If  any  of  the  roots  have  been 
bruised  in  lifting,  cut  off  the  bruised  part  with  the 
knife,  and  likewise  shorten  the  young  shoots;  breaking 
the  earth  well  about  their  roots  when  planting.  This 
has  been  an  esteemed  shrub  among  all  civilized  na- 
tions. The  flowers  are  double,  semi-double,  and 
single ;  the  colours  are  pink,  red,  purple,  white,  yellow, 
and  striped,  with  almost  every  shade  and  mixture ;  the 
odour  universally  grateful.  This  plant  is  cultivated  in 
every  garden,  from  the  humblest  cottager  to  the 
loftiest  prince,  and  by  commercial  gardeners  in  Eu- 
rope extensively,  for  distilling  rose  water,  and  making 
the  essential  oil  of  roses.  They  delight  in  a  rich 
loamy  soil,  and  require  plenty  of  moisture  while  in  a 
growing  state.  Those  sorts  which  throw  up  numerous 
suckers  should  be  lifted  every  three  or  four  years,  re- 
duced, and  then  transplanted.  When  thus  removing 
them,  avoid  as  much  as  possible  exposing  their  roots ; 
and  when  newly  planted,  mulching  is  of  considerable 
advantage ;  that  is,  putting  half  rotten  stable-manure 
on  the  surface  of  the  ground  round  their  roots,  which 
prevents  evaporation,  and  keeps  up  a  constant  mois- 
ture. If  this  was  done  in  general  to  our  roses  in  dry 
seasons,  it  would  greatly  improve  their  flowering. 
For  China  roses  see  next  month. 


MARCH.]       FLOWER-GARDEN— CLIMBING  ROSES,  &c.  159 

CLIMBING  ROSES. 

This  is  the  best  time  to  prune  ever-blooming  climb- 
ing roses,  such  as  Champney,  Scarlet  Cluster,  Duchesse  de 
Dino,  Noisette,  Burgenville,  &c.  Many  of  these,  when 
allowed  to  grow  year  after  year  without  pruning,  be- 
come unsightly;  they  never  bear  flowers  on  the  old 
wood,  that  is,  wood  of  three  or  four  years.  Having  a 
tendency  to  throw  out  young  shoots  from  the  bottom 
of  the  stem,  the  old  wood  should  be  cut  out,  thus  en- 
couraging the  young  wood,  which  the  second  year 
bears  the  most  and  finest  flowers.  In  severe  winters, 
the  extremities  of  the  shoots  are  frequently  killed,  and 
we  have  often  seen  all  the  wood  black  or  brown,  and 
apparently  dead.  When  that  is  the  case  it  is  best  to 
leave  it  until  they  begin  to  grow,  which  will  show  what 
is  dead  or  alive,  when  they  can  be  pruned  to  better  ad- 
vantage. 

DECIDUOUS  ORNAMENTAL  FLOWERING  SHRUBS. 

The  earlier  the  planting  of  these  shrubs  is  attended  to 
in  this  month,  the  more  will  their  growth  and  flowering 
be  promoted,  having  all  finished  before  the  buds  begin  to 
expand.  (For  kinds  recommended  see  List,  end  of  the 
volume.)  They  should  never  be  planted  too  thick,  but 
leave  space  for  them  to  grow  as  they  respectively  re- 
quire, and  according  as  they  are  designed  for  open  or 
close  shrubberies,  clumps,  or  thickets.  Have  all  in 
readiness,  that  it  may  be  done  with  as  much  expedition 
as  possible,  to  prevent  their  roots  from  being  dried 


J60  FLOWER  GARDEN— GRASS  PLATS,  &c.          [MARCH. 

by  the  sun  and  wind  in  time  of  planting.  Make  the 
holes  intended  for  their  reception  round,  capacious, 
and  deep  enough  to  hold  their  roots,  without  confining 
them  in  the  least,  &and  loosen  the  bottom  well,  put- 
ting new  and  fresh  soil  under  their  roots,  breaking 
and  pulverizing  it  during  the  operation,  and  frequent- 
ly shaking  the  plant  as  you  progress  in  filling  up. 
When  done,  make  all  firm  with  the  foot,  leaving 
a  circular  cavity  to  hold  the  water  they  will  re- 
quire during  dry  weather.  Give  rods,  and  tie  with 
bands  all  that  need  that  support  before  they  are  left, 
lest  they  should  be  neglected.  Cut  off  any  of  the 
bruised  roots  or  irregular  growths  of  the  branches. 

GRASS  PLATS  AND  WALKS. 

Rake  and  sweep  off  from  these  all  litter  and  worm 
cast  earth,  and  give  an  occasional  rolling  to  settle  the 
ground,  and  render  the  surface  smooth,  where  the 
scythe  is  to  be  used.  The  grass  will  likewise  grow 
better  by  rolling  it  where  the  frost  has  partially 
thrown  it  out,  and  add  greatly  to  the  beauty  of  the 
whole.  Cut  the  edgings  with  an  edging  iron  or  spade, 
so  that  the  whole  will  have  a  finished  appearance.  If 
any  new  turf  is  required  to  be  laid  down,  this  is  a  very 
good  time  to  do  it,  before  vegetation  is  strong ;  as  the 
turf  that  is  now  laid  will  have  taken  root  before  the 
dry  season  commences.  Where  a  great  extent  is  to 
be  done,  sowing  might  be  adopted;  but  it  will  not  have 
the  effect  of  turf  under  three  years,  and  during  that 
time  must  be  carefully  cut,  after  the  firt  season,  every 


MARCH.]          FLOWER  GARDEN— GRASS  PLATS,  &c. 

three  weeks,  while  growing,  nor  must  it  be  walked 
upon.  White  clover  and  true  perennial  rye-grass  are 
the  seeds  most  proper  for  sowing.  The  ground  must 
in  the  first  place  be  all  equally  made  up,  and  levelled 
with  the  spade  and  rake ;  not  "  cart  loads  of  soil  laid 
down  and  leveled,"  which  would  finally  become  very 
uneven,  and  would  need  to  be  lifted  and  relaid  next 
year.  The  best  turf  is  that  of  a  close  growing  pasture 
or  common,  free  from^all  kinds  of  weeds  or  strong  roots, 
and  the  grass  short.  To  cut  it  expeditiously,  be  pro- 
vided with  a  turfing-iron;  but  if  that  cannot  be  conve- 
niently had,  a  spade  may  do  very  well.  Strain  a  line 
tight,  cutting  the  turf  lengthways,  at  equal  distances,  from 
twelve  to  eighteen  inches.  Next  draw  the  line  across, 
cutting  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet ;  then  cut  them 
up  with  the  spade,  about  one  and  a  half  inch  thick.  In 
laying, join  them  close  and  alternately;  when  done,  beat 
them  firm  with  a  level  wooden  beater,  and  roll  with  a 
heavy  roller. 

Grass  walks,  in  the  last  century,  were  very  popular ; 
but  time  having  put  them  to  the  test,  they  are  found 
unfit  for  walking  upon  or  using  in  any  manner, 
almost  for  one  half  of  the  year;  therefore  not  answering 
the  purposes  intended.  They  require  great  attention 
to  keep  them  in  order ;  and  if  not  always  neat  and 
clean,  they  are  a  disagreeable  object  in  a  garden ;  but 
when  they  are  well  dressed,  their  effect  is  very  enliven- 
ing. Where  they  are  desired,  prepare  the  ground  as 
above  directed ;  making  the  walk  a  little  higher  than 
the  adjoining  borders,  to  prevent  the  earth  from  being 
washed  on  it  by  the  rain.  Allowing  the  walks  to  be 
21 


]  62  FLOWER  GARDEN— GRAVEL  WALKS.  [MARCH. 

six  feet  wide,  make  the  centre  five  inehes  higher  than  the 
sides,  or  about  seven-eighths  of  an  inch  to  the  foot  what- 
ever the  breadth  may  be,  which  will  form  a  gentle  decli- 
vity to  throw  off  the  rain.  When  laid,  beat  and  roll  it 
well;  cutting  the  edge  neat  and  even.  Water  frequently 
if  the  weather  sets  in  dry.  To  keep  grass  walks  or 
plats  in  order,  they  should  be  mown  once  every  three 
or  four  weeks  from  May  to  September,  and  the  grass 
each  time  swept  clean  off.  When  the  grass  is  allowed 
to  get  long  before  being  cut,  the  roots  become  tender ; 
and  die  when  exposed  to  the  sun ;  at  last  the  grass  is 
all  in  spots,  and  in  another  year  requires  to  be  relaid. 

GRAVEL  WALKS. 

A  practice  once  existed  of  turning  these  into  heaps 
or  ridges  during  winter  to  destroy  weeds,  &c.  But  this 
has  almost  been  given  up  as  unnecessary,  unsightly, 
inconvenient,  and  not  doing  any  material  service. 

Where  the  surface  of  these  has  become  foul,  irregu- 
lar, or  mossy,  they  had  better  be  turned  over  four  or 
five  inches  deep  where  the  gravel  will  admit  of  it;  but 
if  not,  hoe  and  rake  them  perfectly  clean,  give  a  new 
coat  of  gravel,  and  pick  up  any  stones  that  you  think 
too  large ;  then  give  them  a  good  rolling,  applying  it 
frequently  after  showers  of  rain.  When  they  are  well 
attended  to  just  now,  they  will  look  well  all  the  season; 
but  if  neglected,  they  take  more  labour,  and  are  never 
in  such  good  condition. 

Fancy  edgings  of  Thyme,  Thrift,  Gentiana,  Lavender, 
and  Violets — (Daisies  may  be  used  if  the  situation  is 


MARCH.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— OF  GRAFTING.  163 

shaded.)  The  whole  of  these  may  be  planted  by  the 
line  with  the  dibber  except  Thyme,  which  lay  as  direct- 
ed for  Box.  See  this  month,  under  that  head.  Any 
time  in  this  or  beginning  of  next  month  will  answer  to 
make  edgings  of  these;  and  if  dry  weather  occurs  be- 
fore they  begin  to  grow  after  planting,  they  must  have 
frequent  waterings  until  they  have  taken  fresh  root. 
Thyme  requires  to  be  dressed  twice  during  the  season 
to  keep  it  in  order. 


OF  GRAFTING. 

There  are  four  methods  of  grafting.  The  one  we 
will  describe  is  whip  or  tongue  grafting,  which  is  the 
preferable  and  most  expeditious  plan  with  all  deciduous 
shrubs  or  trees.  The  stock  upon  which  it  it  performed 
must  be  slender,  from  two-thirds  of  an  inch  to  any  di- 
ameter suitable  to  the  thickness  of  the  graft.  Having 
headed  the  stock  at  a  clear  smooth  part,  slope  it  on 
one  side  with  a  sharp  knife  at  a  very  acute  angle,  make 
a  slit  on  the  lower  side  of  the  slope  about  an  inch  down- 
wards, to  receive  the  tongue  or  wedge  of  the  graft  or 
scion.  Secondly,  having  the  prepared  scions  cut  into 
lengths  of  3,  4,  or  5  eyes,  take  one  which  matches  the 
stock  in  size,  and  slope  the  bottom  of  it  so  as  to  fit  the 
stock,  that  the  rinds  of  both  may  correspond  exactly, 
especially  on  one  side  and  at  bottom ;  make  also  a  slit 
upward  in  the  graft,  like  that  in  the  slope  of  the  stock, 
so  as  the  one  may  be  inserted  in  the  other  as  evenly 
and  completely  as  possible.  Let  the  graft  be  carefully 
held  in  its  due  position,  while  a  bandage  is  applied. 


164  ROOMS.        k^a  [MARCH. 

Take  strands  of  Russian  mat,  and  bind  them  in  a  neat 
manner  several  times  round  the  stock  and  graft.  Lastly, 
cover  the  joint  with  well  worked  clay,  coat  from  half 
an  inch  below  the  bottom  of  the  graft  to  an  inch  above 
the  top  of  the  stock,  and  to  the  thickness  of  half  an 
inch  all  round,  finish  it  in  an  oblong  globular  form, 
taking  care  to  work  it  close,  that  no  air  may  penetrate. 
If  the  clay  is  covered  with  moss,  it  will  partially  prevent 
it  from  cracking. 

The  grafts  will  have  taken  when  they  begin  to  grow 
freely ;  then  the  clay  may  be  taken  off,  and  the  bandage 
loosened,  and  put  on  again,  but  not  so  tight ;  give  the 
grafts  a  stake  for  support,  tying  them  thereto  to  pre- 
vent accidents  from  the  wind.  Allow  no  shoots  to 
arise  from  the  stock. 

Any  of  the  rare  deciduous  trees  may,  by  the  above 
method,  be  grafted  on  one  of  its  own  family,  that  is 
more  common,  and  in  that  respect  is  the  finest  species 
of  propagation  that  is  resorted  to. 


Room*. 


MARCH. 

If  the  plants  in  these  situations  have  been  properly 
attended  to  by  admitting  air  at  all  favourable  times,  and 


K 

MARCH.]  ROOMS.  165 

when  the  apartment  was  below  36°  a  little  fire  heat  ap- 
plied to  counteract  the  cold,  keeping  the  heat  above 
*  that  degree ;  your  attention  will  be  rewarded  by  the 
healthy  appearance  of  your  plants.  The  weather  by 
this  time  has  generally  become  milder,  so  that  air  may 
be  more  freely  admitted,  especially  from  ten  to  three 
o'clock.  Where  the  leaves  are  grown  to  one  side, 
turn  the  plant  with  the  dark  side  to  the  light.  They 
will  require  a  more  liberal  supply  of  water,  but  always 
avoid  keeping  them  wet.  Pick  off  all  decayed  leaves, 
and  tie  up  any  straggling  shoots ;  stir  up  the  earth  on 
the  top  of  the  pots,  breaking  it  fine  where  it  is  harden- 
ed by  the  frequent  waterings.  This  will  allow  the  fresh 
air  to  act  upon  the  roots,  which  is  one  of  the  principal 
assistants  in  vegetation.  For  those  that  require  shift- 
ing or  repotting,  see  Green-house,  March;  the  plants 
enumerated  there  equally  apply  here,  if  they  are  in  the 
collection,  with  this  difference,  that  well  kept  rooms 
are  about  two  weeks  earlier  than  the  Green-house. 
After  the  end  of  this  month,  where  there  is  a  conveni- 
ence, plants  will  do  better  in  windows  that  look  to  the 
east,  in  which  the  direct  rays  of  a  hot  sun  are  prevent- 
ed from  falling  upon  them,  and  the  morning  sun  is  more 
congenial  f6r  plants  in  this  country  than  the  afternoon 
sun.  Wher4  there  is  any  dust  on  the  leaves  of  any  of 
them,  take  a  sponge  and  water,  and  make  the  whole 
clean,  likewise  divest  them  of  all  insects.  The  green- 
fly is  perhaps  on  the  roses;  if  there  are  no  conveniences 
for  fumigating,  wash  them  off  as  previously  directed. 
Where  there  are  only  a  few  plants,  these  pests  could 
be  very  easily  kept  off  by  examining  the  plants  every 


166  ROOMS— FLOWERING  PLANTS.  {MARCH. 

day.  For  the  scaly  insect,  see  January.  If  they  have  not 
been  cleared  off,  get  it  done  directly ;  for  by  the  heat 
of  the  weather  they  will  increase  tenfold. 


FLOWERING  PLANTS. 

. 

Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Narcissus,  Jonquils,  and  Crocus, 
will  be  generally  in  flower.  The  former  requires  plenty 
of  water,  and  the  saucers  under  the  pots  should  be 
constantly  full  until  they  are  done  blooming.  The 
others  need  only  be  liberally  supplied  at  the  surface  of 
the  pot.  Give  them  neat  green-painted  rods  to  sup- 
port their  flower  stems,  and  keep  them  all  near  the 
light.  The  spring  flowering  Oxalis  will  not  open  ex- 
cept it  is  exposed  to  the  full  rays  of  the  sun.  The  La- 
chenalia  is  greatly  improved  in  colour  with  exposure  to 
the  sun,  though  when  in  flower  its  beauties  are  pre- 
served by  keeping  it  a  little  in  the  shade. 

Primulas,  or  Primrose,  both  Chinese  and  European, 
delight  in  an  airy  exposure ;  but  the  sun  destroys  the 
beauty  of  their  flowers  by  making  the  colours  fade. 

Camellias.  Many  of  them  will  be  in  perfection.  See 
Green-house  this  month  for  a  description  of  the  finest 
varieties.  Do  not  let  the  sun  shine  upon  the  blooms. 
Those  that  are  done  flowering,  will,  in  small  pots,  re- 
quire to  be  repotted.  The  Cdlla  or  ^Ethopian  water-lily, 
when  in  flower,  ought  to  stand  in  saucers  with  water* 

The  Hyacinths  that  are  in  glasses  must  be  regularly 
supplied  with  water.  The  roots  will  be  very  much  re- 
duced by  this  method ;  therefore,  when  the  bloom  is 
over,  if  possible  plant  them  in  the  garden,  or  bury  them 


MARCH.]  ROOMS— FLOWERING  PLANTS.  167 

in  pots  of  earth,  to  ripen  and  strengthen  the  bulbs. 
They  will  take  two  years  with  good  encouragement, 
before  they  can  satisfactorily  be  again  flowered  in 
glasses,  and  properly  they  ought  not  be  allowed  to 
bloom  next  year.  Those  that  are  done  flowering  in 
pots,  can  be  set  aside,  and  the  usual  waterings  gradu- 
ally withdrawn.  Treat  all  other  Dutch  bulbs  in  a  simi- 
lar manner. 


168 


— •••  - '"- 


APRIL. 

Where  the  Hot-house  has  been  properly  conducted, 
the  plants  generally  will  have  a  vigorous  and  healthful 
aspect.  An  error  frequently  arises  in  the  conducting  of 
these  departments,  by  inexperienced  operators  being 
ambitious  of  outstripping  their  competitors.  They  keep 
the  house  in  a  very  high  temperature,  and  admit  little 
or  no  air.  Where  such  mode  has  been  pursued,  the 
plants  will  have  got  over  their  first  growth,  and  the 
foliage  look  yellow  and  decaying,  thus  throwing  the 
plants  into  a  state  of  inactivity,  when  nature  herself 
commences  her  most  active  movements.  The  tempe- 
rature should  not  be  under  60°  nor  much  above  75°, 
without  admitting  a  little  air  by  the  top  lights.  It  will 
not  do  yet  to  give  air  by  the  front  sashes,  the  wind 
being  cool,  and  a  current  in  the  house  'would  be  hurt- 
ful. The  sun  is  not  so  powerful  but  the  heat  can  be 
kept  down  by  the  air  given  from  above.  In  very  cold 
cutting  winds,  though  the  effects  of  sun  heat  be  great, 
admitting  of  much  air  may  be  injurious.  Whatever 
err6r  may  arise,  let  it  be  on  the  side  of  caution.  How- 
ever, when  high  winds  prevail,  there  is  little  danger  of 
the  house  becoming  overheated  by  the  effect  of  the 
sun.  Hot-house  or  tropical  plants  will  not  be  hurt  with 
110°,  if  they  are  not  touching  the  glass.  And  if  the 


4' 

APRIL.]  HOT-HOUSE. 

plants  are  near  the  glass  generally,  the  glass  should 
have  a  coat  of  very  thin  white-wash  (not  lime),  where 
the  glass  is  thin  and  light  in  colour;  but  if  it  is  thick 
and  green,  there  need  be  no  white-washing. 

The  plants  will  need  a  liberal  supply  of  water  every 
day.  We  have  so  constantly  cautioned  the  operator  on 
administering  this  element,  that  a  repetition  here  is  un- 
necessary. Sprinkle  them  well  with  the  syringe  or  en- 
gine in  the  evenings  about  sundown,  four  or  five  times 
a  week,  and  strictly  observe  that  none  of  them  are 
omitted ;  for  where  there  are  such,  it  is  probable  they 
are  attacked  by  the  red  spider.  If  any  of  these  are 
detected,  syringe  them  powerfully  morning  and  evening. 
Water  is  most  effectual  in  their  destruction,  and  most 
congenial  to  the  plants.  Give  regular  fumigations  to 
destroy  the  green-fly.  Wherever  there  is  dust  or  foul- 
ness contracted  on  the  foliage,  wash  all  clean  with 
sponge  and  water;  for  on  these  insects  are  harboured 
in  such  quantities  that  they,  in  a  short  time,  would 
overrun  all  the  plants  in  the  house.  Keeping  the  house 
constantly  clean,  the  plants  clear  of  decayed  leaves 
and  every  thing  of  a  corroding  nature,  and  duly  syring- 
ing them,  is  the  surest  method  of  not  being  much 
troubled  with  insects. 

For  repotting  plants,  see  next  month ;  except  those 
that  you  are  fostering  to  a  great  extent,  such  as 
Alstr&merias,  Calceolarias,  or  any  herbaceous  plants 
that  require  great  encouragement  to  make  them  flower 
well.  These  should  always  be  repotted,  as  soon  as  the 
roots  come  to  be  round  the  outside  of  the  ball. 

22 


• 


170 


APRIL. 

Regarding  the  shifting  or  repotting  of  plants,  the  di- 
rections given  last  month  may  be  followed.  If  the 
plants  are  not  shifted  that  require  it,  get  them  done  as 
soon  as  possible,  for  they  will  soon  get  into  a  luxuriant 
state  of  growth,  and  then  it  would  not  be  advisable  to 
shift  them.  Those  that  were  repotted  last  month  will 
have  taken  fresh  root  in  the  new  soil,  and  the  advan- 
tage will  soon  be  perceptible.  In  order  to  strengthen 
the  plants,  and  keep  them  from  becoming  drawn  and 
spindly,  admit  large  portions  of  air  every  mild  day.  In- 
deed there  will  be  very  few  days  in  this  month,  that  a 
little  air  may  not  be  given,  always  observing  to  divide 
the  quantity  regularly  over  the  house,  in  cool  nights 
closing  in  time.  About  the  end  of  the  month  an  abun- 
dance of  air  is  indispensable,  leaving  the  sashes  and 
doors  open  every  mild  night,  that  the  plants  may  be 
inured  to  the  open  exposure  they  will  have  in  a  few 
weeks. 

WATERING.   j£, - 

As  the  season  advances  and  vegetation  increases, 
the  waterings  will  require  to  be  more  copious  and  more 
frequent.  Look  over  all  plants  minutely  every  day, 
and  with  judicious  care  supply  their  wants.  Those 
that  are  of  a  soft  shrubby  nature,  and  in  a  free-growing 


APRIL.]  GREEN-HOUSE—ORANGES,  LEMONS,  &c.  j  7  j 

state,  will  require  a  larger  portion  at  one  time  than 
those  of  a  hard  texture,  which  may  only  want  it  every 
two  or  three  days.  The  weather  and  situation 
in  some  instances  may  require  a  modification  of 
these  directions.  Plants  in  general  will  not  suffer 
so  soon  from  being  a  little  dry  as  from  being  over- 
watered.  The  health  and  beauty  of  the  foliage  of  the 
plants  may  be  much  improved  by  syringing  them  freely 
three  evenings  in  the  week,  except  in  moist  weather, 
when  it  ought  not  to  be  done.  The  ravages  of  many 
insects  also  will  be  retarded,  especially  mildew  and 
red  spider,  which  will  be  entirely  destroyed.  If  the 
red*  spider  is  on  any  of  the  plants,  particularly  take 
them  aside  evening  and  morning,  arid  give  them  a  good 
dashing  with  water  through  the  syringe.  Where  there 
is  mildew,  after  syringing  the  plant,  dust  it  on  the  af- 
fected parts  with  flowers  of  sulphur,  and  set  them  for  a 
few  days  where  they  will  be  sheltered  from  the  wind, 
after  which  wash  off  the  sulphur.  If  the  cure  is  not 
complete,  renew  the  dose.  Always  sweep  out  and  dry 
up  the  water  in  the  house  when  any  is  spilt.  The  suc- 
culent plants  will  be  in  want  of  a  little  water  about 
once  a  week,  but  do  not  over  water  them,  as  there  is 
not  heat  enough  to  absorb  much  moisture.  If  the  soil  is 
damp,  it  is  quite  sufficient. 

ORANGES,  LEMONS,  &c. 

Will  in  many  instances  about  the  end  of  this  month 
be  showing  flowers  or  flower  buds.  They  must  under 
these  circumstances  have  plenty  of  air  to  prevent  them 


, 

•  1    Jr  • 


172  GREEN-HOUSE— ORANGES,  LEMONS,  &c.  [APRIL. 

from  falling  off  when  entirely  exposed.  The  reason 
that  we  see  so  much  fine  blossom  falling  to  the  ground 
where  the  trees  are  brought  out  of  the  house  in  May, 
is  from  the  confinement  they  have  had.  Where  there 
is  a  convenience  of  giving  air  from  the  back  of  the 
Green-house,  it  should  always  be  given  in  mild  days, 
especially  in  those  houses  that  have  a  recess  back  from 
the  top  of  the  sashes,  for  even  if  the  sashes  are  let  down 
every  day,  still  the  house  will  not  be  properly  ventilated. 
Any  plants  that  are  sickly  and  intended  to  be  planted 
in  the  garden  next  month  to  renovate  their  growth, 
may  be  cut  back,  (if  not  already  done,)  as  far  as  is  re- 
quired to  give  the  tree  a  handsome  form,  taking  care 
not  to  cut  below  the  graft  or  inoculation.  Let  the 
operation  be  done  with  a  fine  saw  and  sharp  knife, 
smoothing  the  amputations  that  are  made  by  the  saw ; 
and  if  they  are  large,  put  a  little  well  made  clay  over 
the  wound,  to  prevent  the  air  from  mortifying  the  shoot. 
Turpentine  is  preferable  to  clay,  not  being  subject  to 
crack  or  fall  off  by  the  weather. 

If  there  are  any  Lager  sir  cemias,  Pomegranate,  or  Hy- 
drangeas in  the  cellar,  they  should  be  brought  out  about 
the  first  of  the  month,  and  planted  in  their  respective 
situations.  Give  the  Hydrangea  a  very  shady  spot.  It 
does  not  require  one  ray  of  the  sun,  providing  it  has 
plenty  of  air,  and  do  not  plant  it  into  soil  that  has  been 
lately  manured  .A  large  plant  must  have  great  supplies 
of  water  in  dry  weather.  If  the  plant  is  very  thick,  the 
oldest  branches  may  be  thinned  out,  but  do  not  cut  out 
any  of  the  young  shoots,  as  they  contain  the  embryo  of 
the  flower.  Lagerstmmias  will  flower  abundantly  with- 


APRIL.]  GREEN-HOUSE—MYRTLES,  &c.  173 

out  pruning,  but  to  have  fine  large  spikes  of  flowers, 
cut  in  the  wood  of  last  year  to  about  three  eyes  from 
the  wood  of  the  preceding  year;  by  this  they  will  be 
much  finer.  Pomegranates  will  only  require  a  little  of 
the  superfluous  wood  cut  out.  Perhaps  some  of  them 
may  be  desired  to  flower  in  pots  or  tubs  during  sum- 
mer :  the  balls  will  admit  of  being  much  reduced,  and 
by  this  a  pot  or  tub  very  little  larger  will  do  for  them. 
Do  not  give  much  water  until  they  begin  to  grow. 

MYRTLES  AND  OLEANDERS. 

If  any  of  these  have  grown  irregularly,  and  are  not 
headed  down  or  otherwise  pruned,  as  directed  last 
month,  they  should  now  be  done.  Oleanders  are  very 
subject  to  the  white  scaly  insect,  and  before  the  heat 
of  summer  begins,  they  should  be  completely  cleansed. 
This  insect  is  likewise  found  on  Myrtles,  which  are  worse 
to  clean,  and  ought  to  be  minutely  examined  twice 
every  year.  We  have  observed  mildew  on  these  shrubs, 
which  makes  the  foliage  brown  and  unsightly.  If  it  is 
detected  in  time,  syringing  is  an  effectual  remedy. 

GERANIUMS. 

Some  of  the  earliest  blooming  kinds  of  these  will  now 
begin  to  flower,  and  the  sun  will  greatly  deteriorate 
their  rich  colours  where  they  are  near  the  glass  with  a 
south  aspect.  The  glass  should  be  white-washed, 
which  will  cast  a  thin  shade  over  them,  and  prolong  the 
duration  of  the  bloom,  but  if  they  are  above  five  feet 


174  GREEN-HOUSE— HERBACEOUS  PLANTS,  &c.          [APRIL. 

from  the  glass,  white-washing  is  not  requisite.  The 
strong  kinds  will  be  growing  very  luxuriantly,  and  re- 
quire liberal  supplies  of  water.  When  syringing,  do 
not  sprinkle  the  flowers,  as  it  would  make  the  colours 
intermingle  with  each  other,  and  cause  them  to  decay 
prematurely.  If  they  have  been  properly  attended  to 
in  that  respect,  it  may  be  dispensed  with  after  they 
have  generally  come  in  flower,  which  will  not  be  until 
about  the  first  of  May. 

HERBACEOUS  PLANTS  AND  BULBOUS  ROOTS. 

If  any  of  the  herbaceous  plants  were  neglected  to  be 
divided  last  month,  do  not  omit  it  now.  They  will  not 
flower  so  well  if  potted  entire,  and  their  growth  by  this 
time  will  be  much  hurt,  if  not  carefully  shaded  from  the 
sun.  After  dividing,  sprinkle  gently  with  water  three 
times  a  day,  until  they  have  taken  fresh  root,  when 
they  can  be  put  amongst  the  other  plants. 

Cape  Bulbs.  Those  that  flowered  late  in  autumn,  as 
soon  as  the  foliage  begins  to  decay,  may  be  set  aside, 
and  the  water  withheld  by  degrees.  When  the  foli- 
age is  entirely  gone,  and  the  roots  dry,  clear  them  from 
the  earth,  and  after  laying  exposed  in  the  shade  for  a 
few  days  to  dry,  pack  them  up  in  dry  moss,  with  their 
respective  names  attached,  until  August,  when  they 
may  be  again  potted.  Treat  those  that  are  in  flower 

the  same  as  directed  in  last  month. 

% 

Dutch  Roots.  All  the  species  and  varieties  of  these 
(that  have  been  kept  in  the  Green-house  during  winter, 
will  now  be  done  flowering ;  the  water  should  be  with- 


AJPHIL.]         GREEN-HOUSE— FLOWERING  PLANTS,  &c.  575 

drawn  gradually  from  them ;  and  then  the  pots  turned 
on  their  sides  to  ripen  the  bulbs.  Or,  a  superior  me- 
thod is,  where  there  is  the  convenience  of  a  garden,  to 
select  a  bed  not  much  exposed.  Turn  the  balls  out  of 
the  pots  and  plant  them ;  the  roots  will  ripen  better  this 
way  than  any  other.  Have  them  correctly  marked, 
that  no  error  may  take  place.  They  can  be  lifted  with 

the  other  garden  bulbs. 

~  ,'  .  o»  *••" 

FLOWERING  PLANTS. 

The  best  situation  for  most  plants  while  in  flower,  is 
where  they  are  shaded  from  the  sun,  and  fully  exposed 
to  the  air.  Primroses,  both  European  and  Chinese, 
flower  best,  and  the  colours  are  finest  when  the  plants 
are  in  the  front  of  the  house,  and  entirely  shaded  from 
the  sun.  The  Chinese  Azaleas  and  Rhododendrons  re- 
quire, while  in  flower,  a  similar  situation.  Have  all 
the  shoots  tied  naturally  to  neat  rods,  and  keep  them 
clear  from  others  by  elevating  them  on  empty  pots,  or 
any  other  substitute.  See  that  there  are  no  insect 
upon  them ;  for  they  make  a  miserable  contrast  with 
flowers.  The  Cdlla  cethiopica  should  stand  in  water 
when  in  flower,  and  even  before  flowering  they  will  be 
much  strengthened  by  it. 

INSECTS. 

Insects  will  on  some  plants  be  very  perplexing.  The 
weather  may  admit  of  those  that  are  infected  to  be 
taken  out  of  doors,  and  put  into  a  frame  in  any  way 


176  GREEN-HOUSE—FLOWERING  STOCKS.  [  APRIL. 

that  is  most  convenient.  Fumigating  them  about  half 
an  hour,  if  the  day  is  calm,  will  be  sufficient;  but 
if  windy,  they  will  take  an  hour.  When  done,  syringe 
them  well,  and  put  them  in  their  respective  situations. 
By  the  above  method,  the  house  will  not  be  made  disa- 
greeable with  the  fumes  of  tobacco. 

Tie  up  neatly  all  the  climbing  plants.  Keep  those 
that  are  running  up  the  rafters  of  the  house  close  to  the 
longitudinal  wires.  As  previously  observed,  running 
plants  should  not  be  taken  across  the  house,  except  in 
some  instances  where  it  can  be  done  over  the  path- 
way, otherwise  it  shades  the  house  too  much.  Clear 
off  all  decayed  leaves,  and  all  contracted  foulness,  that 
the  house  and  plants  may  in  this  month  have  an  enliven- 
ing aspect,  as  it  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  most  inter- 
esting seasons  of  the  year  in  the  Green-house. 

FLOWERING  STOCKS. 

Those  that  have  been  kept  in  the  Green-house,  or  in 
frames,  should  be  planted  into  beds  or  the  borders, 
where  they  will  seed  better  than  if  kept  in  the  pots. 
The  method  generally  adopted  is  to  select  the  plants 
that  are  intended  for  seed ;  plant  the  different  kinds 
distinctly  and  separately;  then  take' a  few  double 
flowering  plants  of  each  kind,  which  plant  round  their  re- 
spective single  varieties  that  are  to  be  kept  for  seed. 
Whenever  any  of  the  colours  sport,  that  is,  become 
spotted  or  striped  with  other  colours,  pull.these  up,  and 
destroy  them,  for  they  will  soon  degenerate  the  whole, 
and  ought  never  to  be  seen  in  collections  that  have  any 


APRIL.]  FLOWER-GARDEN.  177 

pretensions  to  purity.  Many  have  been  the  plans  re- 
commended as  the  best  for  saving,  and  growing  from 
seed  the  double  varieties  of  German  stock.  In  every 
method  we  have  tried  we  have  been  successful  and  un- 
successful ;  although  we  generally  practise  planting  the 
double  kinds  beside  the  single,  where  they  are  intended 
for  seed.  We  have  no  scientific  reason  for  it ;  not  see- 
ing what  influence  these  monsters  of  flowers  can  have 
over  a  flower  where  the  male  and  female  organs  are 
perfect;  which  in  these  are  wanting.  Some  say  that 
the  semi-double  sorts  are  best :  we  have  likewise  found 
them  both  abortive  and  fruitful  in  the  desired  results. 


APRIL. 

THE  ambition  of  every  attentive  gardener,  during 
this  month,  is  to  be  at  the  head  of  every  department, 
and  over  every  spot.  The  operator's  activity  in  this 
month  regulates  the  whole  season.  Every  weed  ought 
to  be  cut  down  as  soon  as  it  appears,  and  the  prover- 
bial saying  will  be  realized,  "  a  garden  that  is  well 
kept  is  easily  kept."  A  wet  day  need  cause  no  loss  of 
time.  Prepare  rods,  bands,  and  tallies,  to  be  in  readi- 
ness when  required.  Damp  weather  should  always  be 
23 


178  FLOWER  GARDEN—ANNUALS.  [APRIL. 

taken  to  prick  out  or  transplant  annuals,  or  stocks,  but 
by  no  means  go  on  the  borders  while  they  are  wet.  If 
it  cannot  be  done  by  keeping  on  the  walks,  defer  it  un- 
til they  are  in  a  proper  state.  One  day  of  laborious 
attention  just  now  will  save  two  in  the  heat  of  summer. 
Many  in  the  height  of  bustle  never  finish  properly  as 
they  proceed,  which  is  the  worst  of  practices.  Every 
operation  ought  to  be  completely  and  properly  finished 
before  another  is  taken  in  hand,  which  will  ultimately 
prove  the  quickest  and  best  method  to  work  upon. 

Let  digging,  pruning,  hoeing,  raking,  &c.  be  done  as 
expeditiously  as  strength  will  allow;  that  the  time  may 
be  devoted  for  a  few  weeks  to  the  beautifying  of  the 
garden  by  sowing  and  planting. 

ANNUALS. 

Those  that  are  tender  and  were  sown  last  month, 
according  to  directions,  will  be  ready  to  prick  out  into 
another  light  hot-bed,  about  two  feet  high,  prepared  as 
directed  in  February.  Keep  them  a  few  inches  apart 
to  let  the  air  circulate.  Give  them  frequent  sprinklings 
with  water,  and  shade  them  with  a  mat  for  a  few  days 
until  they  have  taken  fresh  root ;  then  give  them  plenty 
of  air,  and  by  the  first  of  next  month  expose  them  night 
and  day  to  harden  the  plants  for  the  open  ground.  A 
few  of  the  annual  se.eds  of  every  description,  and  of 
every  country  and  climate,  may  be  sown  any  time  after 
the  middle  of  the  month.  If  the  season  prove  favoura- 
ble they  will  do  well ;  but  reserving  a  part  to  sow  about 
the  15th  of  May,  will  guard  against  every  extreme. 


APRIL.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— BIENNIALS,  &c.    •  179 

Those  that  have  come  above  ground  should  be 
thinned  out,  the  dwarf-growing  kinds  to  two  or  three 
inches,  and  the  large  sorts  to  four  or  five  inches  apart; 
or  they  may  be  only  separated  about  an  inch,  going 
over  them  again  in  a  few  weeks ;  when  a  few  might  be 
taken  of  those  that  will  bear  removing,  and  plant  them 
in  vacant  spaces  that  require  filling  up.  All  the  varie- 
ties of  French  and  African  Marygold  answer  best  when 
transplanted,  likewise  the  species  of  Coreopsis  that 
were  sown  in  autumn.  The  varieties  of  Ten-week 
Stock,  Balsams,  Coxcombs,  and  other  strong  growing 
sorts,  generally  flower  stronger  when  replanted. 

* 

BIENNIALS  AND  PERENNIALS. 

Any  biennials  that  are  intended  to  be  removed,  and 
not  done  last  month,  must  not  be  delayed  longer.  The 
roots  of  many  of  them  will  be  very  strong,  and  if  possi- 
ble a  cloudy  day  should  be  chosen  for  the  operation. 
Give  copious  waterings  in  the  evenings  until  they  begin 
to  grow.  When  the  sun  is  strong,  they  must  be  shaded 
by  apiece  of  board,  shingle,  or  any  similar  substitute, 
for  some  days.  When  the  seeds  of  these  are  sown,  they 
should  be  distinctly  marked.  The  initial  B.  is  the  most 
appropriate. 

Perennials.  For  a  limited  description  of  several 
genera  and  species,  see  last  month.  Those  that  have 
not  been  divided  and  replanted,  where  large,  they  should 
be  done  directly,  if  the  weather  is  dry.  They  must  be 
carefully  watered,  and  shaded  as  above  directed  for 
Biennials. 


..  .  . 

'  "I 

180    *"•   *.         FLOWER-GARDEN—DAHLIAS.  [APRIL, 


DAHLIAS. 

Dahlia  superflua,  or  what  is  now  called  Georgiana  va- 
ridbilis,  is  one  of  the  most  fashionable  and  popular 
hardy  herbaceous  plants  of  the  present  day.  The  va- 
rieties of  the  present  species  are  almost  endless.  The 
double  kinds  only  are  cultivated,  the  single  varieties 
having  been  thrown  aside.  Several  collections  in  Eu- 
rope contain  upwards  of  three  hundred  double  varieties, 
of  every  colour  and  taste,  occupying  more  than  two  acres 
of  ground.  It  will  be  difficult  to  specify  the  finest ;  but 
in  this  country  the  dwarf-growing  sorts  are  preferred. 
To  make  them  flower  freely,  they  should  be  planted  in 
poor  heavy  soil.  From  the  end  of  this  month  to  the 
middle  of  May,  take  the  roots  from  their  winter  quar- 
ters to  the  garden,  and  with  a  spade  make  a  hole  suffi- 
ciently wide  and  deep  to  receive  the  crowns  of  the 
roots  one  inch  deeper  than  the  surface  of  the  ground, 
cutting  off  with  a  sharp  knife  the  old  stumps  close  to 
the  eyes.  They  have  the  finest  effect  in  rows ;  plant 
them  four  feet  apart  in  the  row,  and  the  rows  six  feet 
asunder.  Individual  plants  of  a  dwarf  nature  look  ex- 
tremely well.  The  best  one  for  this  is  the  Dwarf  Globe 
Crimson,  and  is  perhaps  the  finest  that  is  known,  being 
prolific,  compact,  beautiful,  and  very  dwarf,  never  ex- 
ceeding three  feet:  if  properly  grown,  Pulla  electa,  Fa- 
maza,  and  Zend,  are  also  fine  dwarf  sorts;  as  tall 
growing  kinds  Etna  ;  Imperibsa  ;  Cicero  ;  Cocade  ;  Cam- 
bridge  Surprise  ;  Dutchess  of  Wellington  ;  Countess  of  Li- 
verpool; Barrefs  William  Fourth;  True  Mountain  of  Snow; 


! 


APRIL.]  FLOWER-GARDEN- DAHLIAS.  18] 

Diana ;  Crimson  Bonnet ;  and  Eximia,  are  all  superb, 
and  at  present  the  highest  in  estimation.  For  the 
names  of  more  of  the  finest  varieties,  with  their  colour, 
see  Catalogue  at  the  end  of  the  work. 

When  the  roots  become  very  large,  they  ought  to  be 
divided,  and  in  dry  seasons  they  require  to  be  liberally 
supplied  with  water  to  keep  them  growing.  If  their  growth 
is  obstructed,  the  flowering  will  be  imperfect.  Where 
they  are  grown  to  any  extent,  it  would  be  advisable  to 
put  up  a  large  hot-bed  about  the  end  of  March,  and 
plant  them  close  together  therein,  about  the  beginning 
of  April,  which  would  immediately  cause  them  to  grow. 
Give  plenty  of  air,  and  about  the  middle  of  May  plant 
them  in  the  borders,  beds,  or  rows,  which  will  in  cool 
seasons  cause  them  to  flower  earlier. 

The  flowers  are  from  three  to  eight  inches  in  diame- 
ter. There  ought  to  be  a  few  of  the  most  distinct  and 
superb  varieties,  in  every  garden.  Some  individuals 
consider  the  Anemone-flowered  varieties  the  finest ;  but 
those  who  never  saw  a  Dahlia  flower  of  any  charac- 
ter, would,  in  our  opinion,  chose  the  large  petaled 
flowers.  The  Anemone-flowered  sorts  likewise  are  not 
so  large  in  flower  as  the  other  varieties. 

The  foliage  has  no  particular  attraction  about  it; 
the  stems  look  strong,  but  are  soft  in  substance.  If  seeds 
are  sown  on  a  hot-bed  in  March,  most  of  them  will 
flower  the  same  year,  by  transplanting  in  the  garden 
about  the  end  of  May;  but  the  fine  double  kinds  seldom 
produce  seeds. 


182  FLOWER-GARDEN-CHINA  ROSES.  [APRIL. 


CHINA  ROSES. 

From  the  first  to  the  middle  of  this  month  is  the  best 
time  to  plant  the  varieties  of  Chinese  roses.  If  they 
are  to  be  removed  out  of  the  ground,  the  earlier  in  the 
month  the  better ;  but  where  they  are  in  pots,  the  pre- 
cise time  is  not  so  material.  There  are  about  seventy 
varieties,  including  the  species  of  these  in  cultivation ; 
all  of  them  do  extremely  well  in  this  country,  growing 
freely,  and  flowering  abundantly  in  the  open  air.  A 
few  of  them  require  protection  during  winter.  The 
List  at  the  end  of  the  work  will  contain  all  the  finest 
varieties;  but  as  they  are  not  generally  known,  and  the 
greater  part  of  them  highly  deserving  a  situation  in 
every  garden,  a  few  limited  specific  observations  is  ob- 
viously desirable  to  those  who  are  not  acquainted  with 
their  beauty  and  fragrance. 

No.  1 .  Rosa  indica,  common  China  or  daily.  From 
the  last  name  an  error  has  taken  place,  that  it  blooms 
every  day.  In  one  sense  of  the  word  it  does.  Plants 
that  are  young,  and  in  good  ground,  will  grow  and 
flower  constantly  from  the  end  of  April  until  the  buds 
are  killed  with  frost ;  but  they  will  never  flower  when 
not  growing;  the  bloom  being  produced  on  the  young 
wood.  The  flower  is  about  three  inches  in  diameter, 
of  a  dark  blush  or  rose  colour,  petals  large,  and  loose, 
between  a  semi-double  and  double,  and  perfectly 
hardy. 

No.  2.  *Rose  Animated,  daily,  is  a  very  fine  rose,  and  its 

*  Those  marked  thus  *  we  have  grown  from  seed. 


APRIL.]  FLOWER-GARDEN—CHINA  ROSES.  j  53 

merits  are  appreciated  by  those  who  have  it  in  their 
collections.  It  is  more  double,  and  better  formed  than 
No.  1,  and  partakes  of  the  fragrance  of  No.  8,  is  per- 
fectly hardy,  colour  a  fine  blush,  grows  freely,  and 
flowers  abundantly ;  and  is  coming  into  great  repute. 

No.  3.  Rosa  Indica  minor,  is  the  smallest  of  the  China 
roses  that  we  are  familiar  with;  about  the  end  of  April  or 
beginning  of  May  it  is  completely  covered  with  pretty 
little  flowers,  and  much  admired  for  its  diminutiveness: 
colour  same  as  No.  1. 

No.  4.  Rosa  Bengal  elongdta,  named  from  the  foliage 
being  more  elongate  than  the  other  common  roses.  It 
grows  and  flowers  freely,  petals  large,  colour  light  red, 
very  distinguishable  from  any  of  the  other  sorts. 

No.  5.  Rosa  belle  Chinese,  is  a  beautiful  French  rose, 
and  blooms  in  great  abundance;  flowers  large  and  dou- 
ble, colour  when  first  expanded  pink,  and  changes  to 
crimson,  making  a  striking  appearance,  and  greatly 
admired. 

No.  6.  Rosa  la  tender ejaponica,  an  erect  growing  rose, 
of  a  handsome  purple  colour,  with  large  petals ;  much 
like  the  garden  velvet  rose. 

No.  7.  Rosa  belle  vibert,  does  not  produce  so  large 
flowers  as  the  three  last  mentioned ;  but  they  are  very 
double,  blooming  abundantly  in  the  latter  part  of  sum- 
mer ;  colour  very  dark,  and  by  some  called  the  Black 
China  Rose. 

No.  8.  Rosa  odorata,  or  Tea-rose,  celebrated  in  this 
country  for  itsTragrance  being  similar  to  fine  Hyson  tea. 
It  justly  deserves  the  preference  of  all  the  China  roses, 
for  the  delicacy  of  its  flavour.  The  flowers  are  a 


184  FLOWER-GARDEN— CHINA  ROSES.  [APRIL. 

cream  coloured  blush,  the  petals  round  and  full,  form- 
ing a  very  large  rose ;  when  full  blown,  it  is  pendulous. 
It  will  withstand  the  winter  of  the  middle  states  with  a 
little  protection,  such  as  straw,  box,  or  barrel ;  requires 
very  rich  light  soil. 

No.  9.  Rosa  Florence,  or  Scarlet-tea.  This  rose  par- 
takes of  the  fragrance  of  No.  8,  is  perfectly  hardy,  grows 
freely,  and  flowers  profusely.  The  flower  is  well  form- 
ed, very  double,  and  a  distinct  variety  from  any  that 
we  know.  The  flower  is  lightest  when  first  expanded. 

No.  10.  Rose,  Purple-tea.  We  have  not  found  how  this 
name  has  originated :  but  when  the  plant  known  in  our 
collections  under  that  name  is  compared,  there  is  no 
difference  between  it  and  No.  9. 

No.  11.  Rosa  odorata  alba,  or* White-tea,  is  not  so  odo- 
rous as  No.  8,  but  blooms  more  profusely,  and  grows 
more  freely.  The  beautiful  and  neat  appearance  of  the 
buds,  when  half  expanded,  is  not  surpassed;  and  when  full 
blown,  they  are  a  fine  delicate  white.  The  bush  in 
that  state  is  showy,  much  admired,  and  scarce;  we  are 
not  positive  of  its  being  hardy. 

No.  12.  Rosa  Bengal,  or  Yellow-tea,  is  a  very  free 
flowerer,  the  shape  of  the  flower  is  more  like  No.  8. 
than  any  of  the  others ;  the  petals  are  large  and  grace- 
fully set,  having  a  peculiar  scent  or  flavour,  and  is  of  a 
sulphur  colour.  We  cannot  say  as  to  its  being  hardy, 
but  suppose  it  as  much  so  as  No.  8. 

No.  1 3.  Rosa  Venella,  or  Venella  Scented-tea,  is  un- 
doubtedly a  handsome  rose,  and  has  many  admirers  ; 
colour  a  bloody  velvet ;  flowers  large  and  very  double, 
rising  in  the  centre  more  than  any  of  the  others;  bloom- 


APRIL.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— CHINA  ROSES.  185 

ing  freely,  and  of  pleasant  flavour ;  rendering  it  alto- 
gether a  desirable  rose. 

No.  14.  Rosa  belle  de  monza.  The  flower  of  this 
rose  is  flatter  than  any  of  the  other  sorts;  the  petals  are 
regularly  laid  over  each  other,  making  it  very  compact; 
it  is  about  four  inches  in  diameter  when  well  grown ; 
the  plant  is  of  quick  growth,  free  in  flowering,  darker 
in  colour  than  No.  1,  equally  as  hardy,  and  ought  to 
have  a  situation  in  every  garden  where  roses  are 
grown. 

No.  15.  Rosa  amardnthe,  is  a  showy  brilliant  scarlet 
rose,  flower  compact,  and  of  a  moderate  size. 

No.  16.  *Rosa  Clintonia,  is  a  good  rose,  and  in  a  favour- 
able situation  will  produce  abundantly  large,  round,  and 
compact  flowers,  differing  in  shape  from  any  of  the 
others ;  colour  similar  to  the  provins  rose. 

No.  17.  Rosa  semperflbrens  pleno,  or  sanguinea,  is  a  cele- 
brated rose,  the  foliage  small,  and  of  a  reddish  appear- 
ance. The  flower  is  well  shaped,  and  of  a  blood  co- 
lour; wood  of  a  slender  growth,  requires  some  protec- 
tion in  winter,  or  it  will  die  to  the  surface  of  the  ground; 
delights  in  sandy  soil.  This  rose  is  frequently  called 
anemone-flowered,  though  in  no  respects  similar  to  the 
character  of  an  anemone-flower.  The  Otaheite  rose  is 
of  the  same  colour,  but  very  inferior. 

No.  1 8.  *Rosa  purple  sanguinea,  is  of  a  purple  colour, 
same  in  shape  as  No.  17,  but  in  size  larger ;  is  a  good 
flowerer,  making  a  fine  variety.  We  do  not  know  any 
similar  to  it. 

No.  19.  Rosa  grandval,  is  a  magnificent  rose;  flower  full 
and  large,  petals  closely  set,  colour  dark  crimson.  The 


24 


186  FLOWER  GARDEN— CHINA  ROSES.  [APRIL. 

wood  and  leaves  are  like  the  Hamilton  rose,  but  it  grows 
and  flowers  more  freely.  It  is  scarce. 

No.  20.  Rosa  Indica  dlbapleno,  or  white  China,  is  a  rose 
of  free  growth,  abundant  in  flower,  and  pure  white, 
which  renders  it  very  desirable;  is  larger  than  No.  1, 
is  greatly  admired,  and  rare ;  requires  rich  light  soil. 

No.  21.  Rosa  Magnifier,  magnificent,  or  magmfica.  It  is 
known  under  all  these  names.  The  general  appearance 
of  the  plant  resembles  No.  19,  but  the  flowers  in  shape 
and  colour  are  similar  to  the  garden  Provins  rose,  and 
nearly  as  large. 

No.  22.  *Rosa  florabimda  multiplex.  This  rose  is  very 
correctly  named,  although  the  plant  is  of  a  moderate 
stature.  The  whole  is  covered  with  immense  clusters 
of  various  coloured  flowers,  changing  from  pink  to  dark 
crimson ;  the  flowers  very  double,  and  greatly  admired. 

No.  23.  *Rosaflamcea,  has  a  very  striking  appearance, 
is  of  a  flame  colour,  and  distinct  from  any  other  of  the 
China  roses;  blooms  freely,  and  is  a  little  fragrant, 
which  makes  it  desirable. 

No.  24.  *Rosa  Hibbertia,  is  a  superb  rose  of  a  light  red 
colour ;  flower  of  a  common  size,  double  and  compact, 
very  fragrant,  and  abundant  in  bloom.  The  buds  are 
of  a  particular  shape,  being  flat  at  the  extremity  where 
others  are  pointed.  It  is  highly  deserving  of  a  situa- 
tion, and  universally  admired. 

No.  25.  *Rosa  Jacksonia,  is  deep  red,  large,  and  very 
double,  of  luxuriant  growth;  is  more  spiny  and  elastic 
than  any  of  the  China  roses  that  have  come  under  our 
observation.  The  plant  altogether  is  unique  in  its 
character,  and  flowers  profusely. 


APRIL.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— CHINA  ROSES.  187 

No.  26.  R.  Mamsonia,  is  dwarf  growing;  has  flowers 
of  a  beautiful  purple  velvet  colour,  inclining  to  black; 
and  is  much  admired.  When  well  grown,  it  will  bloom 
freely. 

No.  27.  *Rosa  Webesteria.^  None  of  the  China  roses  ap- 
proaches this,  except  Hortensia,  and  it  is  much  inferior. 
The  rose  is  very  double,  ana*  particularly  well  formed ; 
colour  similar  to  No.  8,  with  a  beautiful  rich  blush  in 
the  centre,  flowing  to  the  extremity  of  the  petals.  It 
blooms  profusely,  and  grows  freely  in  light  rich  soil. 

No.  28.  Rosa  gigdntea.  Without  exception,  this  is  the 
handsomest  Shaped  China  rose  that  has  come  under 
our  observation,  the  colour  dark  crimson,  with  a  few 
shades  through  it.  The  centre  is  full  set ;  petals  regu- 
lar and  large,  the  flower  very  double,  plant  strong, 
growing  and  free  blooming — it  is  scarce. 

No.  27.  Rosa  Washington^,  is  a  very  good  and  dis- 
tinct variety ;  the  foliage  is  pale  green  with  red  nerves; 
flower  full  and  compact,  the  extremity  of  the  petals  dark 
red,  the  bottom  white ;  showing,  when  the  flower  is  full 
expanded,  a  white  centre,  and  is  frequently  a  little 
striped;  grows  well,  and  blooms  freely,  in  light  sandy 
soil. 

No.  30.  *Rosa  calyxifblia.  The  calyx  of  this  rose  has 
large  leaflets  attached  to  it.  It  blooms  very  early,  and 
is  of  a  deep  crimson  colour,  with  recurved  petals,  which 
give  it  a  singular  and  beautiful  appearance.  The  young 

t  Named  in  honour  of  D.  Webster,  Esq.  whose  productions  deserve  a  place  in 
every  library ;  and  this  plant  a  spot  in  every  garden. 

t  Originated  on  the  substantial  establishment  of  D.  &  C.  Landreth,  and  called 
by  them  "  Scarlet  and  White." 

i 


1 88  FLOWER.GARDEN-CHINA  ROSES.  [APRIL. 

shoots  and  leaves  are  of  a  purple  hue.  It  grows  and 
flowers  freely,  and  is  quite  characteristic,  and  surpasses 
any  we  know  for  flowering  early  in  the  Green-house  or 
Rooms. 

No.  31.  Rosa  Montezuma  (Mexican-rose.)  This  is 
an  esteemed  variety,  with  large  double  flowers  of  a  red 
colour,  and  when  the  flowers  begin  to  fade  they  become 
darker;  it  is  of  a  strong  growing  and  hardy  nature, 
much  admired,  and  scarce. 

No.  32.  Rosa  horiensia.     The  buds  of  this  rose  are 
very  beautiful  before  expansion,  and  when  fully  ex- 
panded, are  of  a  fine  colour,  assimilated  to  No.  8; 
flowers  large  in  proportion  to  the  growth  of  the  plant. 
*  ' 

These  roses  are  all  of  a  shrubby  nature,  and  the 
finest  flowering  varieties  that  have  come  under  our  ob- 
servation and  culture.  The  China  roses  generally  are 
not  completely  double,  though  going  under  the  name 
of  double  flowers,  and  having  the  appearance  of  such. 
Those  that  are  mentioned  above  as  double  and  very  dou- 
ble are  those  that  are  more  double  than  No.  1,  which 
is  a  rose  that  is  generally  known.  The  whole  of  them 
are  much  admired,  and  being  now  of  great  variety  in 
colour,  shade  and  aspect,  constitute  a  valuable  addition 
to  the  Flower-garden.  A  bed  of  varieties  planted 
therein  in  good  light  rich  soil,  and  well  dressed  by  hoe- 
ing deep,  raking,  &c.  during  the  early  stage  of  their 
growth  every  season,  will  form  an  ornament  varied  in 
colour,  unrivalled,  and  as  yet  not  found  in  our  Flower- 
gardens.  Their  nature  agrees  so  well  with  our  summer 
seasons,  that  it  will  not  surprise  us  to  see,  in  a  few 


FLOWER-GARDEN—CLIMBING  ROSES.  189 

years,  selections  of  them  planted  in  rows  or  hedges, 
dividing  the  compartments  in  our  gardens. 

They  are  all  hardy,  but  of  those  that  are  not  perfect- 
ly so,  we  have  mentioned  the  required  protection.  Any 
of  them  that  have  not  been  proved  hardy  in  your 
collections,  it  would  be  extremely  injudicious  to  leave 
them  exposed  the  first  winter  after  planting  out.  Cau- 
tion is  necessary  on  every  unknown  point;  therefore, 
we  would  recommend  to  give  them  slight  protection,by 
a  covering  of  straw,  mats,  boxes,  &c.  and  if  they  ap- 
pear to  withstand  the  winter  in  perfect  safety,  they  will 
not  need  again  to  be  covered. 

The  best  season  of  the  year  for  pruning  them  is 
about  the  first  of  this  month.  In  doing  so  it  is  not  ad- 
visable to  shorten  any  of  the  young  shoots,  except  in 
cutting  off  the  injured  parts,  that  being  the  wood  most 
productive  of  bloom;  but  where  there  is  old  stinted  wood, 
it  should  be  cut  out  as  close  to  the  surface  of  the 
ground  as  the  other  parts  of  the  bush  will  permit,  with 
any  other  of  the  oldest  wood  that  is  too  crowded.  If 
the  plants  have  been  long  established,  dig  in  amongst 
their  roots  a  little  well  decomposed  manure,  and  stir 
and  hoe  them  frequently  during  the  summer. 

CLIMBING  ROSES. 

No.  1.  Rosa  Champneydna.  This  celebrated  rose  has 
a  situation  in  almost  every  garden  in  our  city,  and  forms 
a  great  ornament,  flowering  very  profusely  in  immense 
clusters  from  May  to  November.  Many  of  these  hav- 


J90  FLOWER  GARDEN— CLIMBING  ROSES.  [APRIL. 

ing  more  than  thirty  buds  upon  them  of  a  light  pink 
colour,  it  is  sometimes  called  "  Pink  Cluster."  It  is  of 
rapid  growth,  and  does  well  for  covering  arbours, 
fences,  or  any  unsightly  object.  The  foliage  is  of  a 
lucid  green,  and  the  wood  very  strong  in  growth.  This 
rose  is  at  present  one  of  the  most  abundant  in  flower, 
the  easiest  of  cultivation,  (growing  in  any  exposure,) 
and  in  every  respect  is  highly  deserving  of  attention. 

No.  2.  Rosa  blush  Noisettid  is  very  similar  to  No.  1. 
in  habit ;  the  flowers  are  lighter  in  colour,  and  a  little 
larger ;  but  the  plant  does  not  flower  so  profusely  dur- 
ing the  heat  of  the  season.  There  is  a  variety  of  Noi- 
settia  in  our  gardens,  known  from  this  by  the  bud  being 
more  rounded,  and  another  under  the  name  of  Char- 
les Wth,  which  has  fine  large  flowers  of  a  dark  blush 
colour. 

No.  3.  Rosa  red  Noisettid,  or  what  we  consider  more 
properly  Scarlet  cluster.  It  is  very  distinct  from  any  other 
of  the  Noisettias  in  habit.  It  is  an  excellent  variety, 
and  blooms  abundantly;  of  a  scarlet  colour;  forming  a 
fine  contrast  with  the  two  last,  which  are  light  in  co- 
lour, and  though  not  generally  known  is  very  desirable. 

No.  4.  Rosa  moschata,  musk-scented,  or  white  cluster, 
is  an  esteemed  rose  both  for  profusion  of  flower  and 
agreeableness  in  fragrance.  It  is  not  of  so  rapid  growth 
as  the  three  previous,  and  may  be  kept  as  a  bush ; 
though  it  will  grow  to  a  considerable  height  if  protect- 
ed by  a  wall  or  close  fence,  being  tacked  thereto. 
Where  kept  as  a  bush,  in  very  severe  winters,  it  is  the 
better  of  a  slight  covering,  and  is  the  latest  flowering 


APRIL.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— CLIMBING  ROSES. 

rose  in  the  garden.  The  flowers  are  frequently  on  the 
same  bush  single,  semi-double,  and  double,  but  mostly 
semi-double. 

No.  5.  Rosa  moschdta  superba,  or  superb  white  cluster. 
This  in  habit  and  appearance  is  the  same  as  No.  4, 
only  the  roses  are  double,  and  never  vary ;  which  makes 
it  a  very  superior  rose.  It  is  highly  esteemed  and 
scarce. 

No.  6.  Rosa  Aralie  Noisettid.  This  has  been  called 
by  some  Purple  Noisettid,  (which  is  a  very  different  rose, 
and  not  generally  known.)  In  growth  it  is  similar  to  No. 
4,  and  could  be  kept  in  the  same  manner.  The  flowers 
are  of  a  dark  pink  colour,  very  prolific,  but  not  so  large 
as  No.  2. 

These  are  all  what  are  termed  with  us  ever-bloom- 
ing roses,  being  in  flower  from  May  until  the  buds  are 
destroyed  by  frost.  They  should  be  pruned  about 'the 
first  of  this  month.  The  young  wood  is  most  produc- 
tive of  bloom;  where  the  branches  are  too  crowded, 
cut  out  the  oldest  wood  as  close  to  the  ground  as  is 
practicable,  and  any  of  the  dead  branches.  The  shoots 
when  tied  to  the  trellis,  arbour,  wall,  or  fence,  should 
be  about  six  inches  clear.  The  branches  when  made 
fast  to  their  support  ought  to  be  in  direct  lines,  which 
must  at  all  times  be  strictly  observed.  It  is  very  un- 
sightly to  see  shoots  trained  crooked,  or  over  each 
other,  and,  unsightly  or  unscientifical  as  it  may  be,  it 
is  too  prevalent  in  every  garden. 

No.  7.  R.  Bourbon  is  a  double  rose  of  brilliant  red 
colour,  petals  large,  stiff,  and  neatly  set ;  the  flower 


192  FLOWER-GARDEN—CLIMBING  ROSES. 

about  the  size  of  a  common  Provins  rose,  and  finely 
scented ;  grows  freely.  The  wood  is  strong,  and  un- 
doubtedly it  is  the  finest  climbing  rose  that  has  come 
under  our  observation,  and  is  highly  admired. 

No.  8.  R.  BoursaulL  This  rose  is  much  thought  of 
in  Europe.  It  is  of  a  purple  colour  (and  once-  called 
Purpurea),  has  a  little  fragrance,  flower  nearly  the  size 
of  No.  ?•;  wood  more  slender,  and  of  very  rapid  growth, 
and  capable  of  covering  a  large  space.  When  in  flower 
it  is  very  showy.  The  old  wood  is  of  a  purple  colour. 
There  is  a  white  variety  of  it. 

No.  9;  R.  Lisle,  is  of  a  light  pink  colour,  about  the 
shape  and  size  of  No.  8,  grows  freely,  and  flowers 
abundantly.  This  and  No.  8.  are  the  hardiest  climb- 
ing roses  that  we  know. 

No.  10.  R.  microphylla.  This  rose  is  unique  in  every 
character,  resembling  No.  21.  more  than  any  other. 
The  foliage  is  very  small  and  neat,  and  the  calyx  thick 
and  bristly.  The  flowers  are  produced  at  the  extremity 
of  the  young  shoots  in  twos  or  threes,  according  to  the 
strength  of  the  plant ;  they  are  large  and  double ;  the 
exterior  petals  large  and  full ;  those  of  the  interior  are 
very  short  and  thick  set;  the  colour  in  the  centre  is 
dark,  shading  lighter  towards  the  exterior;  the  spines 
are  in  pairs  on  each  side  of  the  compound  leaves.  It 
is  perfectly  hardy,  and  greatly  esteemed,  and  not  so 
subject  to  be  attacked  by  insects  as  other  roses. 

No.  1 1.  R.  Fmnklinia,  or  Cluster-tea,  generally  flowers 
well  in  May  and  June,  but  during  the  remainder  of  the 
season  the  heat  appears  to  be  too  strong  for  it,  the 


*  %  •">:• 

APRIL.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— CLIMBING  ROSES.  J93 

buds  dropping  off  before  expansion.  The  flower  bud 
is  larger  than  that  of  the  Tea-rose;  the  petals  large  but 
loose,  colour  light  blush. 

No.  12.  R.  Bdnksice,  or  Lady  Banks' rose,  is  a  free  *• 
growing  kind,  and  has  a  lucid  green  foliage ;  flowers 
small  white  clusters  with  pink  centre,  very  double,  and 
sweet  scented ;  in  bloom  during  May.  From  what  we 
have  seen  of  it,  the  spring  months  appear  too  change- 
able for  perfecting  all  its  bloom,  many  falling  off  from 
the  chilliness  of  the  nights.  The  plant  naturally  is  an 
evergreen,  but  in  our  city  is  deciduous ;  grows  best  in 
sandy  soil,  and  should  be  protected  by  mats  during 
winter. 

No.  13.  R.  BdnksicB  luteapttno.  The  habit  and  fo- 
liage of  this  are  the  same  as  No.  12,  and  whether  hardy 
or  not  we  have  not  proved.  In  Europe  it  is  considered 
more  hardy  than  the  preceding  variety.  The  flowers 
are  larger,  of  a  fine  gold  yellow,  very  double,  and  neat- 
ly set.  It  is  considered  very  pretty. 

No.  14.  R.  multiflora,  was  amongst  the  first  climbing 
roses  that  was  planted  in  this  city,  and  was  so  highly 
admired,  that  twenty  dollars  were  given  for  one  plant. 
It  bears  its  flowers  in  close  clusters  on  the  wood  of 
last  year;  the  colour  is  a  deep  blush;  petals  thickly  set, 
making  it  a  close  and  compact  small  rose;  blooming  in 
June.  It  is  losing  its  celebrity,  and  giving  place  to 
Champney,  Noisettia,  Grevlllii,  &c. 

No.  15.  R.  white  multiflora.  In  all  respects  same 
as  No.14,  except  in  flower,  which  is  much  lighter,  but 
not  a  pure  white. 

25 


194  FLOWER-GARDEN— CLIMBING  ROSES.  [APRIL. 

No.  16.  R.  scarlet  multiflora^  is  darker  in  colour  than 
No.  14,  but  is  not  properly  a  scarlet  flower.  , 

No.  17.  R.  purple  multiflora.  We  suspect  that  there 
is  some  confusion  in  this  plant  being  confounded  either 
with  Scarlet  multiflora  or  with  Grevillii.  Plants  import- 
ed as  such  have  proved  to  be  the  latter. 

No.  1 8.  R.  Grevlllii,  is  a  very  curious  rose,  flowered 
the  first  time  with  us  in  June  1830.  It  is  of  the  variety 
of  No.  1 4,  and  of  China  origin ;  growth  free  and  luxu- 
riant ;  leaves  large  and  deeply  nerved ;  flowers  in  large 
clusters,  almost  every  eye  of  the  wood  of  last  year  pro- 
ducing one  cluster,  having  on  it  from  eight  to  twenty 
roses,  according  to  the  state  of  the  plant,  each  rose 
expanding  differently  in  colour  or  shade.  Many  suppose 
that  they  expand  all  of  the  same  colour,  and  change 
afterwards.  This  is  not  the  case.  We  have  seen  them 
white,  pink,  red,  purple,  and  various  other  shades  when 
the  bloom  expanded;  and  on  two  clusters  we  have  ob- 
served twenty-two  distinct  shades  of  colour.  In  fact, 
it  is  a  complete  nondescript,  having  roses,  single,  semi- 
double,  and  double,  large  and  small,  and  every  colour 
between  white  and  purple,  forming,  in  every  garden 
where  it  is  planted,  a  wonder  of  the  vegetable  world. 
It  is  very  hardy ;  an  eastern  aspect  will  answer  it  best, 
preserving  the  flowers  from  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun, 
which  will  keep  the  colours  purer.  We  readily  recom- 
mend it  to  every  lover  of  Flora. 

No.  19.  R.  arvensis  scandens  multiplex  ^  or  double  Ayr- 
shire. We  imported  this  rose  last  year,  as  being  a  very 
double  blush,  sweet-scented  variety.  It  is  highly 


APRIL.]  FLOWER-GARDEN—CLIMBING  ROSES.  195 

valued,  and  said  to  be  more  rapid  in  growth  than  any 
other  variety,  and  likewise  a  profuse  flowerer.  As  far 
as  we  know  it  remains  to  be  proved  how  it  will  agree 
with  our  climate,  and  have  its  high  characters  sub- 
stantiated ;  although  we  have  no  reason  to  doubt  the 
authority  we  received  it  from. 

No.  20.  R.  sempermrens pleno.  This  is  a  most  hand- 
some double  white  rose.  The  strong  shoots  of  last 
year  will  produce  a  large  cluster  of  flowers  from  almost 
every  eye,  and  as  a  profuse  flowering  double  white 
climbing  rose  we  have  seen  none  to  surpass  it.  It 
grows  freely,  the  foliage  and  wood  pure  green,  leaves 
much  nerved. 

No.  21.  R.  bracteata  pleno,  double  Macartney,  is  a 
very  fine  large  double  white  variety,  with  strongly  mark- 
ed red  edged  petals ;  blooming  from  May  to  July.  It 
is  very  scarce,  and  grows  best  in  sandy  soil. 

The  best  time  for  pruning  those  roses  which  only 
bloom  once  in  the  season,  and  are  of  a  climbing  habit, 
is  immediately  after  flowering,  cutting  out  all  the  old 
wood  that  has  produced  flowers,  thereby  invigorating 
the  young  wood  that  is  to  bear  the  flowers  the  ensuing 
year;  and  the  stronger  the  wood  of  this  year  can  be 
made  to  grow,  the  finer  and  more  profuse  will  be  the 
flowers.  The  plants  of  Nos.  12,  14,  18,  and  the  inter- 
mediate varieties,  have  been  pruned  on  a  wrong  system. 
In  place  of  giving  them  a  general  dressing  in  spring, 
they  ought  to  have  it  immediately  after  flowering ;  the 
old  wood  cut  out,  leaving  only  the  young  and  such  as 
is  of  a  healthy  nature.  Avoid  crowding  them  together, 
and  tie  them  all  straight  and  regular.  Never  top  the 


•*•* 


196  FLOWER-GARDEN—  CLIMBING  PLANTS.  [APRIL. 

shoots  except  where  there  is  a  supply  of  wood  wanted. 
In  spring  the  only  dressing  requisite  is  to  cut  off  the 
injured  shoots  or  branches,  making  good  the  tyings 
that  have  given  way. 

Trellises  for  these  roses  are  generally  made  too 
wide  ;  the  shoots  cannot  be  neatly  kept  to  them.  They 
ought  never  to  exceed  nine  inches  between  each  spar 
or  rod.  . 

There  are  several  species  and  varieties  of  climbing 
roses  of  high  standing  in  character,  but  not  being  per- 
fectly known  to  us  in  regard  to  hardiness,  &c.  we  for- 
bear making  any  remarks  upon  them,  knowing  that 
much  exaggeration  exists. 

CLIMBING  PLANTS. 

As  shade  is  much  required  in  this  country,  and  plants 
suitable  for  covering  arbours,  &c.  eagerly  sought  for, 
we  will  make  a  few  remarks  on  those  which  are  prefer- 
red for  their  beauty,  growth,  hardiness,  &c. 

Atragene  alplna,  is  a  free  growing  deciduous  shrub, 
with  large  blush-coloured  flowers,  which  continue 
blooming  from  May  to  July  ;  has  small  pinnated  foliage- 

Clematis  viticella  pulchella,  or  double  purple  virgin's 
bower,  is  an  esteemed  climbing  plant;  of  rapid  growth, 
with  large  flowers  in  great  profusion  from  June  to  Sep- 
tember. There  are  several  varieties  of  the  above,  two 
of  them  single,  and  it  is  said  that  there  is  likewise  a 
double  red. 

V 

C.  fldmmula,  sweet  scented  virgin's  bower,  is  of  very 
rapid  growth.  Established  plants  will  grow  from  twenty 


•• 


APRIL.]  FLOWER  GARDEN—  CLIMBING  PLANTS.  197 

to  forty  feet  in  one  season,  producing  at  the  axils  of  the 
young  shoots  large  panicles  of  small  white  flowers  of 
exquisite  fragrance  ;  the  leaves  are  compound  pinnate; 
in  bloom  from  June  to  November,  but  in  June,  July, 
September,  and  October,  the  flowers  are  in  great  pro- 
fusion, perfuming  the  whole  garden.  This  is  Dne  of 
the  best  climbing  hardy  plants  that  we  know,  and  it 
ought  to  have  a  situation  in  every  garden. 

C.  Virgiana,  is  of  rapid  growth,  and  well  adapted  for 
arbours  ;  flowers  small  white  in  axillary  panicles,  dioe- 
cious, leaves  ternate,  segments  cordate,  acute,  coarsely 
toothed  and  lobed,  in  bloom  from  June  to  August.  A 
native,  and  a  little  fragrant. 

C.  florida  pleno,  is  a  fine  free  flowering  plant,  though 
generally  considered  a  shrub,  is  more  herbaceous  than 
shrubby  ;  the  flowers  are  large  double  white  ;  in  growth 
will  not  exceed  ten  feet  in  one  season. 

Glycine  frutescens,  a  beautiful  native  climbing  shrub, 
known  in  our  gardens  under  that  name,  but  is  properly 
Wisteria  frutescens.  It  has  large  pendulous  branches  of 
blue  (leguminose)  flowers,  blooming  from  May  to  Au- 
gust ;  pinnated  leaves  with  nine  ovate  downy  leaflets  ; 
grows  freely. 

Glycine  chmensis,  is  given  to  Wisteria,  and  is  the  finest 
climbing  shrub  of  the  phaseolious  tribe.  The  flowers 
are  light  blue,  in  long  nodding  many-flowered  racemose 
spikes,  blooming  from  May  to  August  profusely;  leaves 
pinnated,  with  eleven  ovate  lanceolate  silky  leaflets, 
and  is  of  a  very  rapid  growth.  We  are  not  certain  if 
it  will  withstand  our  winters  without  protection. 

Bignonia  crucigcra,  is  an  evergreen  which  is  very  de- 


198  FLOWER-GARDEN— CLIMBING  PLANTS.  [APRIL. 

sirable  In  many  situations,  being  likewise  of  luxuriant 
growth.  It  will  cover  in  a  few  years  an  area  of  fifty 
feet;  flowers  of  an  orange  scarlet  colour,  blooming  from 
May  to  August. 

B.  grandiflora,  now  given  to  Tecoma,  has  large  orange 
coloured  flowers,  blooming  from  June  to  August,  and 
grows  very  fast.  We  are  not  positive  that  it  will  stand 
our  winters  without  protection. 

B.  rddicans,  is  likewise  given  to  Tecbma,  and  is  a  na- 
tive plant.  When  in  flower  it  is  highly  ornamental,  but 
it  requires  great  attention  to  keep  it  in  regular  order, 
being  of  a  strong  rough  nature ;  in  bloom  from  June  to 
August. 

Peripldca  grcecci,  is  a  climber  of  extraordinary  growth. 
Well  established  plants  grow  thirty  or  forty  feet  in  one 
season;  flowers  in  clusters  from  May  to  July,  of  a  brown- 
ish yellow  colour,  and  hairy  inside ;  leaves  smooth, 
ovate,  lanceolate,  wood  slender,  twining,  and  elastic. 

Hedera  Helix,  Irish  Ivy,  is  a  valuable  evergreen  for 
covering  naked  walls,  or  any  other  unsightly  object. 
The  foliage  is  of  a  lively  green,  leaves  from  three  to 
five  angled.  There  are  several  varieties  of  it,  all  valua- 
ble for  growing  in  confined  shady  situations  where  no 
other  plant  will  thrive. 

Ampelopsis  hederdcea.  This  plant  is  commonly  em- 
ployed for  covering  walls,  for  which  the  rapidity  of  its 
growth,  and  the  largeness  of  the  leaves,  render  it  ex- 
tremely appropriate.  There  are  several  species  of  the 
genus,  all  resembling  the  Vine  in  habit  and  in  flower. 

It  is  called  by  some  Cissus  hederdcea,  which  is  certainly 


AwiiL.1        FLOWER-GARDEN— DECIDUOUS  SHRUBS,  &c.  ]  99 

improper,  this  belonging  to  Tetandria,  and  the  former  to 
Pentandria. 

There  are  several  other  plants  of  a  climbing  habit, 
both  curious  and  ornamental ;  but  our  limits  will  not 
admit  of  a  detail. 

DECIDUOUS  SHRUBS. 

Finish  planting  all  deciduous  shrubs  in  the  early  part 
of  the  month.  These  plants  are  'generally  delayed  too 
long,  the  leaves  in  many  instances  are  beginning  to  ex- 
pand, thereby  giving  a  check  to  the  ascending  sap, 
which  we  may  safely  assert  causes  the  death  of  one 
third  of  the  plants,  when  perhaps  the  operator  or  some 
individual  more  distantly  concerned  is  blamed. 

These  shrubs,  if  properly  removed  and  planted  at 
the  exact  starting  of  vegetation,  pressing  the  earth 
close  to  their  roots  when  planting,  (previously  taking 
care  that  the  small  fibres  have  not  become  dry  by  ex- 
posure,) will  not,  by  these  simple  attentions,  one  out  of 
fifty  fail.  Those  that  are  late  planted  should  have  fre- 
quent waterings,  and  if  large,  firmly  supported,  that  the 
wind  may  have  no  effect  in  disturbing  the  young  and 
tender  fibrous  roots. 

OF  PLANTING  EVERGREEN  SHRUBS. 

Now  is  the  season  to  plant  all  kinds  of  evergreen 
trees  and  shrubs.  In  most  seasons  the  middle  of  the 
month  is  the  most  proper  time,  the  weather  then  being 
mild  and  moist ;  or  if  a  late  season,  defer  it  to  the  end 


200  FLOWER  GARDEN— EVERGREEN  SHRUBS.  [APRIL. 

of  the  month.  When  planted  earlier,  they  will  remain 
dormant  until  this  time,  and  their  tender  fibrous  roots 
in  that  case  frequently  perish  from  their  liability  to 
injury  from  frost  or  frosty  winds,  being  more  susceptible 
of  such  injury  than  fibres  of  deciduous  plants.  They 
now  begin  to  vegetate,  which  is  the  grand  criterion  for 
transplanting  any  plant.  The  buds  begin  to  swell,  the 
roots  to  push,  and  if  they  can  be  quickly  lifted  and  re- 
planted, they  will  hardly  receive  a  check.  At  all  events 
care  must  be  taken  that  they  are  not  long  out  of  the 
ground  and  exposed  to  the  air,  which  greatly  assists 
the  success  in  planting.  It  may  be  observed  that  ever- 
greens in  general  succeed  the  better  the  smaller  they 
are,  although  we  have  seen  plants,  trees,  and  evergreens, 
successfully  lifted  upwards  of  thirteen  feet  high  and 
fifteen  in  diameter,  and  carried  several  miles.  By  the 
second  year  there  was  no  appearance  that  such  opera- 
tion had  taken  place.  In  preparing  a  hole  for  the  re- 
ception of  these  plants,  make  it  larger  than  the  roots, 
breaking  the  bottom  thereof  fine,  and  putting  in  some 
fresh  soil.  Place  the  plant  upright  in  the  centre,  put- 
ting in  the  earth  and  breaking  it  fine,  and  give  the  plant 
a  few  gentle  shakes.  When  the  roots  are  more  than 
half  covered,  put  in  a  pot  or  pail  full  of  water,  allowing  it 
to  subside,  then  cover  all  the  roots,  give  a  second  or 
third  pail  full,  arid  when  subsided  the  earth  will  be  close 
to  all  the  roots.  Cover  with  more  earth,  pressing  all 
firm  with  the  foot.  Put  more  soil  loosely  on,  which 
will  give  it  a  finished  appearance,  and  prevent  it  from 
becoming  dry,  and  not  requiring  mulching,  which  has 
an  unsightly  appearance.  All  that  the  wind  will  have 


APRIL.]          FLOWER-GARDEN— CARE  OF  CHOICE  BULBS.  201 

any  hurtful  effect  upon,  must  be  firmly  supported,  espe- 
cially large  plants.  If  the  weather  sets  in  dry  and  hot, 
they  should  be  watered  as  often  as  necessity  shall  direct. 

Those  that  are  established,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
go  over  them  (if  not  already  done)  to  cut  off  all  wood 
killed  in  winter,  and  also  to  thin  them  if  too  thick  and 
crowded. 

When  the  above  is  done,  let  every  part  of  the  shrub- 
bery be  dressed  off  as  directed  in  March.  Shrubs  of 
all  kinds  will  now  begin  to  look  gay  and  lively,  which 
may  be  very  much  heightened  or  depreciated,  accord- 
ing to  the  state  in  which  the  ground  and  contiguous 
walks  are  kept.  Always  keep  in  view  that  weeds  are 
no  objects  of  beauty. 

CARE  OF  CHOICE  BULBS. 

Hyacinths  of  the  earliest  sorts  will  begin  to  expand 
and  show  their  colours,  of  which  we  can  boast  of  a 
few  as  fine  sorts  in  the  vicinity  of  Philadelphia,  as  in 
any  garden  of  Europe ;  but  even  these  very  superior 
sorts,  when  in  bloom,  are  too  frequently  neglected, 
being  allowed  to  stand  without  rods,  stakes,  or  any 
means  of  support,  likewise  equally  exposed  to  drench- 
ing rains  and  scorching  suns ;  and  the  finest  collections 
may  be  seen  after  heavy  rains  prostrate  on  the  ground, 
whereas  a  few  hours'  trouble  would  give  them  the  re- 
quisite support,  thereby  preserving  their  beauty  much 
longer,  and  giving  more  gratification.  As  soon  as  the 
stems  advance  to  any  height,  they  should  be  supported  by 
wires,  rods,  &c.  and  tied  slightly  thereto  with  threads 
26 


202  FLOWER-GARDEN— CARE  OF  CHOICE  BULBS.         [APRIL- 

of  matting,  or  any  other  substitute,  repeat  the  tying  as 
they  advance,  avoid  tying  amongst  the  florets,  because 
they  grow  by  extension,  and  are  liable  to  be  broken  off 
by  so  doing.  The  sun  deteriorates  the  colours  very 
much,  especially  the  red,  blue,  and  yellow  sorts  ;  where- 
as if  they  were  simply  protected  from  the  sun  by  an 
awning  of  thin  canvass,  the  colours  would  be  preserved 
and  the  beauty  protracted.  If  there  are  stakes  drove 
into  the  ground  on  each  side  of  the  beds,  about  three 
feet  high,  with  others  in  the  centre  about  eight  feet, 
having  laths  or  hoops  from  the  side  to  the  centre, 
formed  similar  to  the  roof  of  a  house,  so  that  people 
may  walk  or  sit  under  it,  the  canvass  or  awning  being 
thin  to  admit  of  the  light  freely,  the  effect  in  the  time  of 
sunshine  from  the  brilliancy  of  the  colours  is  peculiarly 
gratifying.  Where  an  awning  is  thus  erected,  it  re- 
quires to  be  kept  on  only  from  nine  to  three  o'clock  in 
sunshine  days,  and  during  nights  or  time  of  rain,  al- 
lowing the  awning  on  the  most  northern  side  to  come 
close  to  the  ground  when  necessary,  to  shelter  them 
from  cold  cutting  winds. 

Tulips  in  every  respect  should  have  the  same  care 
and  protection,  never  neglecting  to  have  the  beds  with 
a  smooth  clean  surface,  and  the  stems  neatly  tied  up, 
although  they  are  not  in  so  much  danger  as  Hyacinths. 

The  properties  of  a  good  Hyacinth  are,  viz — the 
stem  strong  and  erect,  the  florets  or  bells  occupying 
one  half  of  the  stem,  each  floret  suspended  by  a  short 
strong  footstalk,  longest  at  the  bottom,  the  uppermost 
floret  quite  erect,  so  that  the  whole  may  form  a  pyra- 
mid. Each  floret  well  filled  with  petals  rising  towards 


APRIL.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— ANEMONES,  &c.  203 

the  centre,  that  it  may  appear  to  the  eye  a  little  convex. 
Regarding  colour,  fancy  does  not  agree,  and  the  most 
scrupulous  cultivators  differ  materially.  However  the 
more  pure  and  bright  the  finer,  or  a  white  with  a  pink 
centre,  or  the  centre  of  the  petals  with  a  paler  or  deeper 
colour  appearing  striped,  which  is  considered  to  have 
a  good  effect. 

Those  of  a  good  Tulip  are — the  stem  strong,  elastic, 
and  erect,  about  two  feet  high,  the  flower  large  and 
composed  of  six  petals,  proceeding  a  little  horizontally 
at  first,  and  then  turning  upwards,  forming  a  flat-bot- 
tomed cup,  rather  widest  at  the  top;  the  three  exterior 
petals  should  be  larger  than  the  three  interior  ones, 
and  broader  at  their  base ;  the  edges  of  the  petals  en- 
tire, free  from  notch  or  ruggedness ;  the  top  of  each 
well  rounded ;  the  colour  of  the  flower  at  the  bottom 
of  the  cup  ought  to  be  pure,  white,  or  yellow,  and  the 
rich  coloured  stripes  which  are  the  principal  ornament 
should  be  pure,  bold,  regular,  and  distinct  on  the  mar- 
gin, and  terminate  in  fine  points  elegantly  pencilled. 
The  centre  of  each  petal  should  have  one  bold  stripe, 
or  blotch  of  rich  colouring.  The  ground  colours  that 
are  most  esteemed  are  white,  the  purer  the  finer ;  or, 
on  the  othqr  hand,  the  dark  grounds,  and  of  course  the 
darker  the  better;  but  these  vary  in  estimation,  accord- 
ing to  the  prevailing  taste  of  amateurs. 

ANEMONES  AND  RANUNCULUS. 

Moist  weather  and  frequent  showers  are  highly  es- 
sential to  the  perfecting  of  these  flowers,  and  if  these 
should  fail  at  this  season  of  the  year,  artificial  means 


204  FLOWER-GARDEN—AURICULAS,  &c.  [APRIL. 

must  be  used  to  supply  the  deficiency.  Take  a  water- 
ing-pot without  the  rose,  and  run  the  water  (river  or 
rain  water  is  best)  gently  between  the  rows,  taking 
care  not  to  make  holes  in  the  ground.  When  they 
have  got  a  good  watering  at  root,  take  the  syringe  and 
give  them  a  gentle  sprinkling  in  fine  evenings,  observ- 
ing not  to  use  force  for  fear  of  breaking  the  flower 
stems.  In  dry  weather  the  result  of  a  deficiency  of 
water  would  be  that  the  stems  and  flowers  of  the 
strongest  roots  will  be  weak,  and  make  no  progress, 
and  many  of  them  will  not  bloom ;  the  foliage  of  a 
sickly,  yellow  appearance,  from  which  they  would  not 
recover ;  and  the  roots  when  taken  up  of  little  use  for 
farther  transplanting. 

A  good  plan  in  dry  seasons  is  to  cover  the  ground 
between  the  rows  with  cow  manure,  which  will  prevent 
the  moisture  from  evaporating,  and  the  rain  or  water 
passing  through  it  greatly  enriches  the  soil,  and 
strengthens  the  roots. 

AURICULAS. 

Having  under  this  head  last  month  given  ample  di- 
rections for  the  treatment  of  these  plants  previous  to 
flowering,  we  refer  to  that  head  to  avoid  repetition. 

CARNATIONS,  PINKS,  &c. 

If  any  of  these  were  omitted  to  be  shifted  last  month, 
or  planted  out  according  to  directions  therein  given,  let 
it  be  done  forthwith.  Where  they  are  still  protected 


APRIL.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— POLIANTHUS,  &c.  205 

with  frames,  give  them  plenty  of  air,  keeping  the  sashes 
entirely  off  during  the  day,  keep  the  pots  perfectly  free 
from  weeds,  and  give  the  foliage  frequent  sprinklings 
with  water. 

Polyanthus  and  primroses  will  be  exhibiting  their 
beautiful  flowers.  They  require  the  same  treatment, 
and  delight  in  moisture  and  a  shaded  situation.  Do 
not  sprinkle  them  while  in  flower,  and  keep  them  clear 
of  weeds  or  decayed  leaves,  never  exposing  them  to  the 
sun.  They  are  very  hardy,  and  where  required  may  be 
planted  in  very  shady  situations,  for  they  will  suffer 
more  from  the  influence  of  the  sun's  rays  than  from 
frost.  Those  plants  in  pots  in  general  that  have  been 
protected  in  frames,  and  are  destined  for  the  borders, 
should  now  as  soon  as  possible  be  planted  in  their  des- 
tined situations,  having  nothing  to  fear  from  chilling 
winds  or  frosts  after  the  middle  of  this  month,  except 
in  uncommon  seasons.  Those  that  are  to  be  kept  in 
pots,  if  not  repotted,  do  it  immediately,  and  give  regular 
supplies  of  water. 

POLIANTHUS  TUBEROSA  FLORE  PLENO. 

This  very  popular  bulb,  generally  known  as  Tuberose, 
has  been  cultivated  in  England  upwards  of  two  centu- 
ries, whence  we  no  doubt  have  received  it,  and  now 
can  return  those  of  our  production  to  supply  their  de- 
mand. The  flowers  are  many  and  highly  odoriferous, 
and  of  the  purest  white,  and  on  a  flower  stem  from  three 
to  five  feet  high.  To  have  them  in  the  greatest  per- 
fection, they  should  be  planted  in  a  lively  hot-bed, 


206  FLOWER  GARDEN— POLIANTHUS,  &c.  [APRIL. 

about  the  first  of  this  month  in  six  inch  pots  filled  with 
light  rich  earth,  giving  very  little  water  until  they  begin 
to  grow,  when  they  ought  to  be  liberally  supplied  with 
plenty  of  air,  and  about  the  end  of  next  month  they 
may  be  planted  in  the  borders,  providing  a  spot  for 
them  that  is  or  has  been  well  worked,  and  enriched 
with  well  decomposed  manure.  Secure  their  flower 
stems  to  proper  rods.  Previous  to  planting  the  roots, 
all  the  off-sets  should  be  taken  off  and  planted  sepa- 
rately ;  keep  the  crown  of  the  bulb  level  with  the  surface 
of  the  pot,  and  when  they  are  replanted  in  the  open 
ground,  put  them  two  inches  deeper. 

But  when  the  convenience  of  a  hot-bed  cannot  be 
obtained,  they  will  succeed  very  well  if  planted  about 
the  end  of  this  month  or  first  of  next  in  the  garden,  in  a 
bed  of  earth  prepared  for  their  reception.  Let  it  be 
dug  deep,  and  make  the  soil  light  and  rich,  by  giving  it 
a  tgood  supply  of  manure  two  years  old,  well  broken 
and  incorporated  with  the  earth,  adding  a  little  sand 
where  the  soil  is  heavy.  The  black  earth  from  the 
woods  produced  from  decayed  leaves  is  equally  as  good 
without  sand.  Having  the  ground  in  proper  order, 
draw  drills  about  two  and  a  half  inches  deep,  and  eight- 
een inches  apart;  plant  the  bulbs(after  divesting  them 
of  their  off-sets)  nine  inches  apart  in  the  row,  covering 
the  crown  of  the  bulb  about  an  inch  and  a  half. 
When  done,  carefully  rake  and  finish  off  the  beds. 
When  they  shoot  up  their  flower  stems,  give  them  neat 
rods  for  their  support.  Plant  the  off-sets  in  closer  rows 
to  produce  flowering  roots  for  next  year,  because  they 
seldom  flower  the  second  time. 


APRIL.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— JACOBEA  LILY.  207 

AMARYLLIS  FORMOSISSIMA,  OR  JACOBEA  LILY. 

About  the  end  of  this  or  beginning  of  next  month,  is 
the  most  proper  time  fpr  planting  out  these  bulbs. 
This  flower  is  of  the  most  beautiful  and  rich  crimson 
velvet  colour.  The  bulb  generally  produces  two  stems, 
the  one  after  the  other,  about  the  end  of  May  or  first 
of  June.  The  stem  is  from  nine  inches  to  one  foot 
high,  surmounted  by  a  single  flower,  composed  of  six 
petals,  three  hanging  down,  three  erect  and  recurved; 
the  stamens  droop  on  the  centre  of  the  under  petals. 
The  flower  thus  appears  nodding  on  one  side  of  the  stem, 
and  has  a  most  graceful  and  charming  appearance. 
If  planted  in  a  bed,  prepare  the  ground  as  before  direct- 
ed for  Tuberoses.  Keep  the  rows  one  foot  asunder,  and 
the  bulbs  six  inches  apart  in  the  rows,  covering  them 
two  inches  over  their  crowns.  This  plant  is  now 
called  Spreikelia  formosissima,  and  we  think  properly 
too,  for  its  habit  differs  from  Amaryllis. 

We  have  not  the  smallest  doubt  that  in  a  few  years, 
not  only  this  superb  South  American  bulb  will  adorn 
our  flower  gardens,  but  many  of  the  rich  bulbs  of  Brazil 
and  South  America  generally  will  yearly  exhibit  to  us 
the  beauty  of  their  colours  and  the  beautiful  construc- 
tion of  their  flowers  and  foliage,  of  which  we  are  now 
generally  deprived,  perhaps  because  we  have  not  the 
conveniency  of  a  proper  hot-house  for  their  protection 
during  winter.  But  it  will  be  found,  in  many  instances, 
that  these  bulbs  will  do  perfectly  well  to  be  kept  dry  in 
a  warm  room  from  October  to  May,  when  the  heat  of 
our  summer  is  sufficient  for  the  perfection  of  their 


208  FLOWER-GARDEN— TIGER  FLOWER.  [APRIL. 

flowers,  and  many  species  will  ripen  their  seeds.  The 
bulb  that  is  known  as  Amaryllis  Belladonna,  now  called 
Belladonna  purpurascens,  is  hardy. 


TIGER  FLOWER. 


Tigridia,  a  genus  of  Mexican  bulbs  belonging  to 
Monadelphia  Triandria,  and  produce  the  most  beautiful 
flowers  of  the  natural  order  of  Iridea.  T.  pavbnia  is 
of  the  brightest  scarlet,  tinged  and  spotted  with  pure 
yellow.  T.  conchiifiora,  colour  rich  yellow,  tinged  and 
spotted  with  bright  crimson.  The  colours  are  very 
rich,  and  purely  contrasted.  The  corolla  is  about  four 
inches  in  diameter,  composed  of  six  petals ;  the  outer 
are  reflexed,  the  flower  of  the  largest,  though  splendid 
in  beauty,  exists  only  one  day;  but  to  compensate  for 
that,  a  plant  will  produce  flowers  for  several  weeks ; 
and  where  a  bed  of  them  can  be  collected,  they  will 
bloom  in  profusion  from  July  to  September.  They 
like  a  light  rich  free  soil.  Lift  the  bulbs  in  October, 
and  preserve  them  as  directed  in  that  month  for  Tu- 
beroses. Be  sure  that  they  be  kept  dry,  and  secure 
from  frost.  A  bed  of  these  should  be  in  every  garden. 
A  writer  says,  "  it  is  the  most  beautiful  flower  that  is 
cultivated."  Plant  them  about  the  end  of  this  or  first 
of  next  month ;  if  in  beds  keep  them  one  foot  apart 
each  way. 


APRIL.]  FLOWER-GARDEN—WALKS.  209 


WALKS. 

The  walks  in  general  should  be  put  in  the  neatest 
order  during  this  month.  Little  requires  to  be  added 
to  the  observations  of  last  month,  but  if  these  have  not 
been  executed,  fail  not  to  have  it  done  the  first  opportu- 
nity, choosing  dry  weather  for  the  operation  of  turning 
the  old  or  adding  new  gravel  to  them,  levelling,  raking, 
and  rolling  neatly  as  you  proceed.  Always  after  rain 
give  the  whole  of  the  gravel  walks  a  good  rolling. 
This  being  frequently  done  during  the  early  part  of  the 
season,  will  be  a  saving  of  much  labour  and  time 
through  the  summer.  The  walks  having  a  firm  surface, 
the  growth  of  weeds  will  be  retarded,  and  the  heavy 
rains  will  not  be  so  apt  to  injure  them.  Where  there 
are  any  pretensions  to  keeping  these  in  order,  they 
ought  to  be  picked  of  weeds  and  litter  once  a  week, 
and  gone  over  with  the  roller  at  least  once  every  two 
weeks  during  the  season. 

Sweep  and  divest  the  grass  walks  of  all  worm  casts, 
litter,  <fec.  cutting  the  edgings  neatly.  Mow  the  grass 
every  two  weeks  from  this  time  to  October,  sweeping 
off  the  grass  clean  each  time,  and  give  frequent  roll- 
ings to  keep  the  surface  smooth.  If  any  require  to  be 
laid  with  turf,  delay  it  no  longer.  For  directions  see 
last  month.  The  above  observations  on  walks  in 
general,  will  apply  through  the  season ;  therefore  we 
will  not  repeat  this  subject  until  October. 


210  FLOWER-GARDEN—EVERGREEN  HEDGES.  [APRIL. 

EVERGREEN  HEDGES. 

We  have  previously  observed,  under  the  head  of  Ever- 
greens, that  this  is  the  best  season  for  their  replanting. 
We  cannot  pass  over  the  observations  of  this  month, 
without  having  reference  to  evergreen  hedges,  so  much 
neglected  amongst  us,  and  yet  so  important  to  the  di- 
versity of  aspect,  and  especially  to  soften  a  little  the 
gloomy  appearance  of  our  winters.  There  are  three 
indigenous  shrubs,  and  at  least  one  exotic,  that  are 
well  adapted  for  the  purpose,  viz,  Finns  canadensis, 
Hemlock-spruce;  Thuja  occidentalism  American  arbor- 
vitae ;  and  Juniperis  virginidna,  Red  cedar.  These  are 
natives,  and  the  two  former  are  admirably  adapted  for 
the  purpose.  Where  there  is  to  be  a  hedge  of  any  of 
these  planted,  select  plants  about  two  feet  high ;  lift 
them  carefully,  preserving  the  roots  as  much  as  possi- 
ble. Dig  a  trench  from  one  and  a  half  to  two  feet 
wide,  and  from  one  to  one  foot  and  a  half  deep.  This 
will  admit  the  soil  about  the  roots  to  be  well  broken, 
which  must  be  done  in  planting.  Keep  the  plants  in 
the  centre  of  the  trench,  mixing  the  shortest  and  the 
tallest,  that  it  may  be  of  one  height,  putting  the  earth 
close  about  their  roots  as  you  proceed,  and  make  it  firm 
with  the  foot ;  fill  up,  and  water  as  directed  for  ever- 
greens in  this  month.  If  the  season  is  very  dry,  give  it 
frequent  copious  waterings. 

None  of  them  should  be  topped  for  a  few  seasons, 
except  such  as  are  much  above  the  others  in  height, 
keeping  the  sides  regular  and  even  by  clipping  or 


APRIL.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— BOX  EDGINGS.  211 

shearing  once  a  year,  either  in  this  month  or  at  the 
end  of  August.  It  is  better  to  keep  the  top  (when  they 
have  got  to  the  desired  height)  pointed,  than  broad. 
The  latter  method  retains  a  heavy  weight  of  snow, 
which  frequently  breaks  down,  or  otherwise  deforms, 
that  which  has  cost  much  labour  to  put  into  shape. 

BOX  EDGINGS. 

Where  these  have  not  been  laid,  this  month  is  the 
proper  time.  Do  not  delay  the  planting  of  such  any 
later.  For  ample  directions  see  March  under  this  head. 
Clipping  of  these  should  be  done  about  the  middle  of 
this  month.  There  will  then  be  no  danger  of  frosts  to 
brown  the  cut  leaves,  and  the  young  foliage  will  not  be 
expanded.  To  keep  these  edgings  in  order,  they  must 
be  cut  once  a  year,  and  never  be  allowed  to  get  above 
four  inches  high,  and  two  inches  wide.  What  we 
consider  the  neatest  edging  is  three  inches  high,  two 
inches  wide  at  the  bottom,  tapering  to  a  thin  edge  at 
the  top.  It  is  very  unsightly  to  see  large  bushy  edgings, 
especially  to  narrow  walks. 

The  use  of  edgings  is  to  keep  the  soil  from  the 
gravel,  and  the  larger  they  are  allowed  to  grow  the 
more  ineffectual  they  become;  growing  more  open  be- 
low as  they  advance  in  height.  The  operation  may  be 
done  very  expeditiously  by  clipping  the  tops  level,  going 
longitudinally  along  with  shears  for  the  purpose,  called 
"  box  shears."  Strain  a  line  along  the  centre  of  the 
edgings,  cutting  perpendicularly  from  the  line  to  the 
bottom  on  each  side,  leaving  only  the  breadth  of  the 


212  FLOWER-GARDEN— GRASS  PLATS,  &c.  [APRIL. 

line  at  top.  Edgings,  cut  in  this  manner,  every  spring 
will  always  look  well,  and  the  trouble,  comparatively, 
is  a  mere  trifle. 


GRASS  PLATS,  &c. 

If  these  have  not  been  laid  down  where  wanted,  de- 
lay it  no  longer,  for  which  see  directions  in  March; 
and  where  these  are  desired  to  be  kept  in  order,  they 
should  be  mown  every  two  or  three  weeks  at  farthest ; 
from  this  month  to  October  when  cut,  the  grass  should 
be  clean  swept  off,  and  the  edgings,  if  out  of  order,  ad- 
justed. To  mention  this  subject  again  will  be  only  a 
repetition,  therefore  we  will  let  this  suffice. 

GENERAL  CARE  OF  PLANTS  COMING  INTO  FLOWER. 

Every  part  of  the  flower  ground  should  be  put  into 
neat  order,  giving  such  plants  about  the  borders  as  are 
shooting  up  their  flower  stems,  and  are  tender,  and  in 
danger  of  being  hurt  or  broken  by  the  wind,  proper 
sticks  or  rods  for  their  support.  In  doing  this,  endea- 
vour to  conceal  the  rods,  &c.  as  much  as  possible,  by 
dressing  the  stems  and  leaves  in  a  natural  looking 
manner  over  them.  Let  the  stakes  be  in  proportion  to 
the  heighth  and  growth  of  the  plants.  It  looks  very 
unsightly  to  see  strong  stakes  to  short  and  weak  grow- 
ing plants.  The  tyings  likewise  should  be  propor- 
tionate. 

Examine  all  the  beds  and  patches  of  seedling  flowers 
now  coming  up,  and  let  them  be  refreshed  with  water 


APRIL.]  ROOMS.  213 

as  it  may  be  necessary,  and  pick  out  the  weeds  as  they 
appear. 

We  cannot  leave  this  department  at  this  season  of 
the  year,  without  enforcing  the  benefit  and  beauty  that 
will  result  from  keeping  the  weeds  down  during  this 
and  next  month.  Therefore  strictly  observe  that  there 
are  none  running  to  seed  in  any  part  of  the  garden ;  in 
fact,  they  ought  not  to  be  allowed  to  rear  their  heads 
above  one  day  in  sight. 


APRIL. 


We  remarked  last  month,  that  about  this  season, 
where  it  is  convenient,  an  eastern  window  is  more  con- 
genial to  plants  than  a  southern.  The  sun  becomes 
too  powerful,  and  the  morning  sun  is  preferable  to  that 
of  the  afternoon.  West  is  also  preferable  to  south. 
Some  keep  their  plants  in  excellent  order  at  a  north 
window.  But  the  weather  is  so  mild  after  this,  that 
there  is  no  difficulty  in  protecting  and  growing  plants 
in  rooms.  They  generally  suffer  most  from  want  of  air 
and  water;  the  window  must  be  up  a  few  inches,  or  al- 
together, according  to  the  mildness  of  the  day.  And 
as  plants  are  more  liable  to  get  covered  with  dust  in 


2 1  4  ROOMS— DIRECTIONS  FOR  PLANTS,  &c.  [APRIL. 

rooms  than  in  any  other  department,  and  not  so  conve- 
nient to  be  syringed  or  otherwise  cleaned,  take  the  first 
opportunity  of  a  mild  day  to  carry  them  to  a  shady  si- 
tuation, and  syringe  such  as  are  not  in  flower  well  with 
water ;  or  for  want  of  a  syringe  take  a  watering-pot 
with  a  rose  upon  it :  allowing  them  to  stand  until  they 
drip,  when  they  may  be  put  into  their  respective  situa- 
tions. 

DIRECTIONS  FOR  PLANTS  BROUGHT  FROM  THE   GREEN.HOUSE. 

Any  plants  that  are  brought  from  the  Green-house 
during  the  spring  months  ought  to  be  as  little  exposed 
to  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun  as  possible.  Keep  them 
in  airy  situations,  with  plenty  of  light,  giving  frequent 
and  liberal  supplies  of  water.  Plants  may  be  often  ob- 
served through  our  city  during  this  month  fully  exposed 
in  the  outside  of  a  south  window,  with  the  blaze  of  a 
mid-day  sun  upon  them,  and  these  too  just  come 
from  the  temperate  and  damp  atmosphere  of  a  well 
regulated  Green-house.  Being  thus  placed  in  an  arid 
situation,  scorched  between  the  glass  and  the  sun 
whose  heat  is  too  powerful  for  them  to  withstand,  the 
transition  being  so  sudden,  that,  however  great  their 
beauties  may  have  appeared,  they  in  a  few  days  become 
brown,  the  flowers  tarnished  or  decayed,  and  the  failure 
generally  attributed  to  individuals  not  at  all  concerned. 
From  this  and  similar  causes  many  have  drawn  the 
unjust  conclusion,  viz.  that  "  plants  from  Green-houses 
are  of  too  delicate  a  nature  to  be  exposed  in  rooms  or 
windows  at  this  early  season."  But  every  year  gives 


APRIL.]  ROOMS— FLOWERING  PLANTS.  215 

more  and  more  proof  to  the  contrary.  There  are  ladies 
in  Philadelphia,  and  those  not  a  few,  whose  rooms  and 
windows  at  this  period  vie  with  the  finest  of  our  Green- 
houses, with  respect  to  the  health,  beauty  and  order  of 
their  plants,  and  we  might  almost  say  in  variety.  Some 
of  them  have  got  above  eight  kinds  of  Camellias  in 
their  collections,  which  afford  a  continual  beauty 
through  the  winter,  with  many  other  desirable  and 
equally  valuable  plants.  Exposure  to  the  sun,  and 
want  of  water,  are  the  general  cause  of  failures  at  this 
period.  We  have  spoken  so  minutely  and  so  frequent- 
ly on  these  two  subjects,  that  we  think  more  repetition 
unnecessary.  The  plants  generally  are  growing  pretty 
freely  by  this  time,  and  are  not  so  liable  to  suffer  from 
liberal  supplies  of  water,  observing  never  to  give  it  un- 
til the  soil  in  the  pot  is  inclining  to  become  dry,  and 
administering  it  always  in  the  evenings. 

FLOWERING  PLANTS. 

Our  directions  last  month  under  this  head  will  equal- 
ly apply  now.  The  China  roses  that  are  now  coming 
plentifully  in  flower  should  be  kept  near  the  light,  and 
in  airy  exposures,  to  brighten  their  colours,  otherwise 
they  will  be  very  pale  and  sickly.  Geraniums  too  ought 
to  have  the  like  treatment. 

BRINGING  PLANTS  OUT  OF  THE  CELLAR,  &c. 

All  or  most  of  the  plants  that  have  been  in  the  cel- 
lar during  winter,  such  as  Pomegranates,  Lager strcemias, 


216  ROOMS— PLANTS  FROM  THE  CELLAR,  &c.  [APRIL. 

Hydrangeas,  Oleanders,  Sweet-bay,  Sfc.  may  be  brought 
out  to  the  open  air  any  time  about  the  middle  of  the 
month.  If  any  of  them  stand  in  need  of  larger  pots  or 
tubs,  have  them  turned  out,  the  balls  reduced,  and  put 
them  in  others  a  little  larger;  or  where  convenient  they 
may  be  planted  in  the  ground,  except  Oleanders,  which 
do  best  to  be  a  little  confined.  Be  sure  to  keep  the 
Hydrangeas  in  shady  situations.  It  will  not  be  advisa- 
ble to  expose  entirely  the  Orange  and  Lemon  trees, 
until  the  end  of  this  or  first  of  next  month.  Where 
there  are  any  scale  or  foulness  of  any  kind  collected 
on  the  foliage  or  wood,  have  them  cleaned  directly  be- 
fore the  heat  increases  the  one,  and  to  get  clear  of  the 
disagreeable  appearance  of  the  other. 


217 


MAY. 

Very  few  directions  for  this  department  remain  to  be 
given ;  except  for  shifting  plants,  and  a  few  observa- 
tions on  those  that  are  most  desirable  for  the  Hot- 
house; which  we  will  do  in  this  month,  considering 
May  and  June  the  best  months  of  the  year  for  that 
operation. 

The  days  and  nights  will  be  very  mild  by  this  time, 
and  the  sashes  in  every  favourable  day  should  be  open- 
ed both  in  front  and  top,  so  that  the  plants  may  be 
enured  to  the  open  air,  which  they  will  be  exposed  to 
by  the  end  of  the  month,  Leave  in  the  beginning  of 
the  month  the  top  sashes  a  little  open  every  rnild  night, 
and  gradually  as  the  heat  increases  leave  the  front 
sashes  and  doors  open.  Continue  to  syringe  them  at 
least  every  alternate  night,  and  if  possible  every  night ; 
and  give  them  all,  according  to  their  respective  wants, 
liberal  supplies  of  water  every  day.  Absorption  amongst 
Hot-house  plants  is  as  great  during  this  month  as  in 
any  period  of  the  year. 

OF  REPOTTING  PLANTS,  &c. 

It  is  our  candid  opinion  that  this  and  next  month  are 
the  best  periods  for  shifting  or  repotting  all  or  most  of 
Hot-house  plants.  The  end  of  August  being  the  time 

28 


218  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAY. 

always  adopted  around  Philadelphia  for  that  operation 
(and  then  they  are  done  indiscriminately,)  we  will  as- 
sign a  few  reasons  for  our  practice. 

First,  that  it  is  not  congenial  to  the  nature  of  these 
plants  to  have  their  roots  surrounded  with  fresh  soil, 
when  they  are  becoming  inactive ;  secondly,  that  there 
is  not  a  sufficiency  of  heat  naturally  to  quicken  them  to 
an  active  state  when  they  are  encouraged ;  and  thirdly, 
being  thus  in  new  soil  while  dormant,  they  have  a  yellow 
and  sickly  aspect  until  they  begin  to  grow;  and  the 
foliage  thus  deprived  of  its  natural  vigour  will  not  ap- 
pear so  healthful  again.  Whereas,  if  they  are  shifted 
or  repotted  in  this  or  next  month,  at  which  season  they 
are  between  two  stages  of  growth,  they  immediately, 
on  receiving  fresh  assistance,  and  by  the  increasing 
heat  of  the  summer,  make  new  growths,  are  perfectly 
ripened  before  the  approach  of  winter,  and  never  lose 
that  verdureal  appearance  they  have  attained.  These 
are  our  reasons  acquired  from  a  close  practice  and  ob- 
servation, and  are  not  influenced  by  the  doings  of 
others  which  are  so  much  aside.  No  practical  opera- 
tor especially,  nor  in  fact  any  individual,  ought  to  be 
governed  by  custom  in  regard  to  the  treatment  of  plants, 
without  having  an  idea  as  to  why  and  wherefore, 
founded  on  the  principles  of  nature,  and  governed  by 
her  unerring  results. 

As  many  are  desirous  of  having  a  knowledge  of  plants, 
before  they  order  them,  and  likewise  which  are  the 
finest  flowerers  and  their  general  character,  especially 
those  who  are  at  a  great  distance,  and  seldom  have 
the  privilege  of  seeing  what  is  most  desirable,  our  de- 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  219 

scriptions  will  be  limited,  and  simply  such  as  are  given 
for  the  Green-house  in  March. 

Acacias.  Several  of  these  are  desirable  in  the  Hot- 
house, for  the  grandeur  of  their  foliage,  beauty  of 
flower,  and  a  few  of  them  as  specimens  of  valuable 
medicinal  plants.  A.  Homtoni,  now  Annesleia  Houstoni,  is 
one  of  the  most  magnificent  of  the  Mimosa  tribe,  bloom- 
ing from  August  to  November  in  large  terminale  spikes, 
of  a  crimson  colour,  stamens  very  long,  and  beautiful ; 
leaves  bipinnated  in  pairs.  A.  grandiflbra,  likewise  gi- 
ven to  Annesleia,  and  similar  to  the  former  in  colour ; 
has  very  large  compound  bipinnate  leaves,  with  from 
twenty  to  forty  pairs.  A.  Catechu,  flowers  yellow,  wood 
spiny,  leaves  bipinnated,  about  ten  pairs.  The  inner 
wood  of  this  tree  is  of  a  brown  colour,  from  which  the 
Catechu  used  in  medicine  is  prepared  It  is  disputed 
whether  A.  Vera,  or  A-.  Ardbica  produces  the  gum  Ara- 
bic. We  are  inclined  to  think  it  is  the  latter,  which 
grows  principally  on  the  Atlas  mountains.  The  gum 
exudes  spontaneously  from  the  bark  of  the  tree  in  a 
soft  half  fluid  state.  There  are  many  others  of  this 
genus  belonging  to  the  Hot-house,  but  being  shy  in 
flowering,  are  not  generally  esteemed.  Most  of  the 
flowers  have  the  appearance  of  yellow  balls  of  down, 
and  are  hermaphrodite.  The  pots  should  all  be  well 
drained. 

Aloe.  These  grotesque  looking  succulent  plants 
are  principally  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and 
consequently  will  do  well  in  the  warmest  part  of  the 
Green-house,  although  when  convenient,  they  frequent- 
ly get  a  situation  in  the  Hot-house.  It  is  not  requisite, 


220  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAY- 

except  for  A.  vulgaris,  known  as  A.  barbadensis  ;  which 
has  orange  yellow  flowers ;  A.  obliqua,  now  called  Gas- 
teria  obliqua  ;  A.  dichotoma  ;  and  A.  lineata,  which  is  per- 
haps the  finest  of  the  genus.  The  leaves  are  beauti- 
fully striped,  with  red  spines,  flowers  scarlet  and  green. 
These  are  the  only  ones  that  actually  need  heat  during 
winter.  They  ought  to  have  very  little  water,  once  a 
month  is  sufficient.  They  would  grow  without  it,  and 
several  of  them  would  also  grow  by  being  suspended 
in  the  house,  without  earth  or  any  substitute  about 
their  roots,  by  being  frequently  sprinkled  with  water. 
Few  of  them  are  admired  for  the  beauty  of  their 
flowers,  but  the  whole  are  considered  curious.  They 
flower  from  May  to  September. 

Ardisias,  about  eighteen  species.  Plants  highly  es- 
teemed for  the  beauty  of  their  foliage,  flowers,  and 
berries.  The  most  popular  in  our  collections  is  A. 
crenuldta.  It  has  rose  coloured  star-like  flowers,  in  ter- 
minale  panicles,  and  produces  beautiful  small  red  ber- 
ries, which  continue  until  other  berries  are  produced 
the  following  year,  and  frequently  there  may  be  seen 
on  one  plant,  the  berries  of  three  successive  years,  thus 
being  a  very  ornamental  plant  and  very  desirable.  It  is 
vulgarly  called  the  Dwarf  ever-bearing  cherry.  It  will 
keep  in  a  good  Green-house,  but  not  grow  freely.  A.  so- 
lanacea  has  large  oblong  leaves,  narrowed  at  each  end, 
and  bears  purple  berries ;  A.  elegans  has  entire,  oblong, 
shining  leaves ;  A.  umbellata,  once  A.  littoralis,  is  the 
finest  of  the  genus  for  abundance  of  flower  and  beauty 
of  foliage.  The  flowers  are  pink,  in  large  decompound 
panicles,  the  leaves  the  largest  of  all  the  species,  oblong, 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c  221 

wedge  shaped,  nearly  sessile,  entire,  smooth,  and  re- 
flexed.  They  are  all  evergreens,  and  the  pots  should 
be  well  drained.  They  are  natives  of  the  East  Indies, 
and  delight  in  a  high  temperature. 

Aristolochias,  Birth-wort.  There  are  several  of  these 
belonging  to  the  Hot-house,  but  none  of  them  deserv- 
ing particular  observation,  except  A.  labiosa.  The 
leaves  are  reniform,  roundish,  cordate,  and  amplexi- 
caule  ;  the  flower  or  corolla  is  of  a  curious  construc- 
tion, being  incurved,  and  at  the  base  swelled  or  saccate 
with  a  large  lip,  and  all  beautifully  spotted ;  colour 
greenish  brown.  It  is  a  climbing  plant,  and  requires  a 
strong  heat. 

Astrapwas,  three  species.  A.  Wallichii  is  a  celebrated 
plant  in  Europe,  and  a  few  specimens  of  it  are  in  this 
country.  It  has  scarlet  unbellated  flowers,  with  an 
involucre,  has  twenty-five  stamens  united  into  a  tube, 
bearing  the  corolla  with  five  petals ;  leaves  roundish, 
cordate,  accumulate,  very  large  with  persistent,  ovate 
wavy  stipules.  The  plant  is  of  easy  culture,  and  grows 
freely,  wood  very  strong. 

Jlrcca,  Cabbage-tree,  ten  species.  They  are  a  kind 
of  palms,  with  large  pinnated  leaves,  or  properly  fronds. 
In  their  indigenous  state  they  are  from  six  to  forty  feet 
high,  but  in  the  Hot-house  they  seldom  exceed  twenty 
feet.  A.  catechu  is  used  in  medicine.  A.  olerdcea  is 
cultivated  extensively  in  the  West  Indies,  and  the  ten- 
der part  of  the  top  is  eaten  by  the  natives.  A.  montana 
is  most  frequent  in  collections.  There  is  no  particular 
beauty  in  the  flowers.  They  are  all  easily  grown,  if 
plenty  of  heat  be  given. 


222  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAY. 

Brunsvigias  are  all  large  bulbs  from  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  and  will  keep  in  the  Green-house  during 
winter,  but  are  better  where  they  can  obtain  a  situation 
in  the  Hot-house.  It  is  a  splendid  genus,  containing 
about  ten  species.  Some  of  the  bulbs  grow  to  an 
enormous  size,  and  all  of  them  while  growing  require 
a  liberal  supply  of  water  ;  but  when  dormant  it  must  be 
wholly  withheld,  and  they  should  have  large  pots  to 
make  them  grow  and  flower  in  perfection.  B.  multi- 
flora^  flowers  scarlet  and  green ;  the  leaves  lay  on  the 
surface  of  the  pot.  B.  laticoma,  flowers  pale  purple. 
B.  Josephince  has  splendid  rose  coloured  flowers,  and 
is  the  most  admired  species  of  the  genus  :  the  foliage 
spreading,  half  erect,  and  glacous;  flowers  numerous, 
and  in  large  umbels,  on  a  stem  two  feet  high,  bloom- 
ing successively ;  there  is  a  variety  that  has  striped 
flowers. 

Several  other  species  have  been  given  to  different 
genera.  B.falcata  is  now  Ammocharis  falcata ;  B.  mar- 
ginata,  now  Imhofia;  and  B.  cillians,  is  now  Buphone 
cilliaris.  They  all  flower  in  umbels,  on  stems  from  six 
inches  to  two  feet;  flowers  lily-like  with  six  petals. 

Bambusa,  Bamboo-cane,  two  species.  Plants  of 
very  strong  growth,  and  are  used  in  the  East  Indies, 
where  they  are  indigenous,  for  every  purpose  in  the 
construction  of  huts,  for  furniture  both  domestic  and 
rural,  for  fences,  boats,  boxes,  paper,  &c.  It  is  frequent- 
ly used  as  pipes  to  convey  water.  The  species  thus 
useful,  is  B.  arundinacea,  which  grows  to  a  great  height. 
We  do  not  mention  it  as  interesting  in  beauty,  but  as  a 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  223 

valuable  plant,  for  the  many  useful  purposes  to  which 
it  is  applied.     It  requires  to  be  kept  wet. 

Banisterias,  a  genus  of  about  fourteen  climbing  ever- 
green plants.  Three  of  them  are  esteemed.  B.fulgens, 
yellow  flowers  in  racemose  spikes,  leaves  subovate,  and 
downy  beneath.  B.  Chrisophylla  has  beautiful  foliage,  as 
if  covered  with  a  shining  gold  coloured  dust ;  leaves 
large,  oblong,  acute.  B.  splendens,  flowers  in  spikes  of 
a  yellow  colour ;  foliage  large  and  silvery  like ;  the  pots 
should  be  well  drained. 

Barringtonias,  two  species.  B.  speciosa  has  produced 
a  great  excitement  amongst  cultivators,  and  is  one  of 
the  handsomest  plants  produced  within  the  tropics. 
The  leaves  are  large,  oblong,  acute,  shining,  with 
fleshy  nerves,  tinged  with  red ;  the  flowers  are  large, 
full  of  stamens  with  four  petals,  opens  in  the  evening 
and  fades  at  sunrise ;  colour  purple  and  white  ;  grows 
freely  in  strong  heat. 

Browneas,  five  species  of  splendid  plants,  but  scarce 
in  collections.  B.  coccinea  has  scarlet  flowers  in  pen- 
dulous bunches,  corolla  semi-double,  foliage  bipinnate, 
in  three  pairs.  B.  rosa,  mountain  rose  of  Trinidad. 
B.  grandiceps  is  the  finest  of  the  genus,  leaves  bipinnat- 
ed ;  leaflets  cordate,  accuminate.  downy  and  pendu- 
lous, flowers  rose  colour,  in  large  close  heads.  Drain 
the  pots  well. 

Calathea  zebrlna,  frequently  known  as  Mardnta  zebrina, 
and  now  Phrynum  zebrinum,  is  a  plant  unique  in  its  ap- 
pearance. The  large  elongated  ovate  leaves  are  beau- 
tifully striped  with  green  and  dark  purple,  and  called 


224  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAY. 

Zebra  plant.  It  has  light  blue  flowers  in  ovate  spikes, 
about  the  size  of  large  pine  cones.  It  is  a  herbaceous 
plant ;  but  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  Hot-house  re- 
tains its  splendid  foliage ;  requires  a  very  liberal  supply 
of  water,  and  ought  to  be  in  every  collection. 

Cdnnas,  about  thirty  species,  several  of  them  deserv- 
ing cultivation  both  for  flower  and  foliage ;  they  are 
principally  natives  of  the  West  Indies,  and  might  all  be 
easily  obtained.  The  finest  are  C.  gigdntca,  has  large 
leaves  and  orange  flowers;  C.  limbata,  flowers  scarlet  and 
yellow ;  C.  discolor,  has  large  cordate,  accuminate  leaves 
of  a  crimson  colour,  the  flowers  are  scarlet ;  C.  iridiflora, 
has  large  crimson  nodding  flowers,  very  different  from 
any  of  the  others,  and  the  finest  of  the  genus.  They 
all,  while  in  a  growing  state,  require  a  liberal  supply  of 
water ;  and  being  herbaceous  plants  watering  ought  to 
be  given  up  about  the  first  of  November,  and  renewed 
about  the  first  of  January,  thus  giving  them  a  cessation 
which  they  require  to  flower  freely ;  but  when  water  is 
constantly  given,  which  is  the  general  plan  in  our  col- 
lections, they  continue  to  push  weak  shoots  and  few 
flowers. 

Cactus.  This  extensive  genus  is  curious,  grotesque, 
interesting,  and  varied  in  character  and  habit ;  is  now 
divided  into  six  distinct  genera  according  to  their  na- 
tural appearance  and  habit.  We  will  describe  a  few 
of  each  genus,  none  of  which  going  under  the  name  of 
Cactus,  we  will  give  them  the  six  following. 

Mamilldrias,  above  twenty  species,  and  are  those 
which  are  covered  with  roundish  bearded  tubercles, 
and  with  small  red  and  white  flowers.  M.  coccinea ;  M. 


( 

MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING.  225 

simplex;  M.  pusilla,  and  M.  cbnica,  are  good  species, 
and  will  do  well  with  water  five  or  six  times  during 
summer. 

Melocdctus,  seven  species,  and  are  those  that  are 
roundish  with  deep  and  many  angles,  with  spines  in 
clusters  on  the  top  of  the  angle.  M.  communis,  is  the 
Turk's  cap,  named  from  having  an  ovate  conate  crown 
upon  the  top,  from  which  proceed  the  small  red  flowers. 

M.  macrdnthus,  has  large  spines;  M.  pyramiddlis,  is  a 
conical  growing  species.  These  require  the  same 
treatment  as  the  last. 

Echinocdctus,  about  twenty  species ;  are  those  that 
have  many  deep  angles,  and  have  a  remarkable  swell- 
ing, with  each  parcel  of  spines ;  E.  gibbosus  ;  E.  crispd- 
tus  ;  E.  recurvus  ;  are  curious  in  appearance,  with  small 
white  and  purple  flowers.  These  three  genera  in  most 
collections  are  not  well  known  specifically,  but  it  is 
easy  to  discriminate  which  genus  they  are  connected 
with. 

Cereus.  This  is  the  most  magnificent  genus  ;vith 
regard  to  the  magnitude  and  beauty  of  the  flowers,  but 
not  so  closely  allied.  It  takes  in  all  those  of  a  trailing 
or  erect  growing  habit,  having  spines  in  clusters,  soli- 
tary, or  spineless.  C.  peruvidnus  and  C.  heptagbnus, 
grow  very  erect,  and  to  the  height  of  thirty  or  forty  feet 
in  Peru  and  Mexico,  where  they  plant  them  close  to- 
gether as  fences,  and  they  are  in  a  few  years  impene- 
trable. C.  flagelliformus  is  a  well  known  creeping  free 
flowering  species,  has  ten  angles ;  will  keep  in  a  good 
Green-house,  and  produce  in  May  and  June  a  great 
number  of  blooms.  The  petals  are  of  a  fine  pink  and 
29 


226  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING.  [MAY. 

red  colour ;  the  tube  of  the  flower  is  long,  and  will 
stand  a  few  days  in  perfection,  when  others  .come  out 
successively  for  the  space  of  two  months,  and  during 
their  continuance  make  a  brilliant  appearance.  C. 
grandiflorus  is  the  celebrated  "  Night-blooming  Cereus." 
The  flowers  are  very  large,  beautiful,  and  sweet-scent- 
ed. They  begin  to  open  about  sun-down,  and  are 
fully  expanded  about  eleven  o'clock.  The  corolla,  or 
rather  calyx,  is  from  seven  to  ten  inches  in  diameter,  the 
outside  of  which  is  a  brown,  and  the  inside  a  fine  straw 
yellow  colour ;  the  petals  are  of  the  purest  white,  with 
the  stamens  surrounding  the  stile  in  the  centre  of  the 
flower,  which  add  to  its  lustre,  and  make  it  appear  like 
a  bright  star.  Its  scent  is  agreeable,  and  perfumes 
the  air  to  a  considerable  distance ;  but  these  beauties 
are  of  momentary  duration.  By  sunrise  they  fade,  and 
hang  down  quite  decayed,  and  never  open  again.*  One 
of  these  ought  to  be  in  every  collection,  and  if  trained 
up  a  naked  wall  will  not  occupy  much  room,  and  grow 
and  flower  profusely.  They  need  very  little  water.  C. 
speciosissimus  has  most  beautiful  large  flowers,  about  six 
inches  diameter ;  the  outside  petals  are  a  bright  scar- 
let, those  of  the  inside  a  fine  light  purple.  One  flower 
lasts  a  few  days,  and  a  large  plant  will  produce  every 
year  from  ten  to  twenty  flowers,  blooming  from  May 
to  August.  It  has  flowered  in  some  of  our  collections, 
and  is  highly  esteemed.  C.  trianguldris  has  the  largest 

*  They  may  be  preserved  if  cut  off  when  in  perfection,  and  put  in  spirits  of 
wine,  in  a  chrystal  vase,  made  air  tight.  A  plant  flowered  in  our  collection  in 
May  1830,  at  12  o'clock  at  noon— the  only  instance  of  the  kind  we  ever  heard 
of. 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE -OF  REPOTTING.  227 

flower  of  the  Cactece  family ;  the  bloom  is  of  a  cream 
colour,  and  about  one  foot  in  diameter.  In  its  indige- 
nous state,  it  produces  a  fine  fruit  called  "  Strawberry 
Pear,"  and  is  much  esteemed  in  the  West  Indies  as 
being  slightly  acid,  and  at  the  same  time  sweet,  plea- 
sant, and  cooling.  It  seldom  flowers.  C.  phyllnthoides, 
once  Cactus  speciosus,  is  one  of  the  most  profuse  in 
flowering ;  the  branches  are  ensate,  compressed,  and 
obovate,  without  spines;  flowers  of  a  pink  colour,  about 
four  inches  in  diameter ;  the  stamens  as  long  as  the 
corolla,  with  white  anthers.  It  will  keep  well  in  a 
Green-house  or  Room.  If  in  either  of  the  two  latter, 
give  water  only  a  few  times  during  winter.  This  is 
becoming  a  very  popular  plant.  C.  Jenkinsbni  is  a 
magnificent  hybrid  from  C.  speciosissimus.  The  flowers 
are  equally  as  large,  and  of  a  brilliant  scarlet  colour, 
with  a  profusion  of  pure  white  anthers ;  is  greatly  ad- 
mired, and  is  only  in  a  few  collections.  C.  Jlckermanni 
is  very  similar  to  C.  phyllanthoides,  flowering  equally  as 
profusely,  the  colour  a  bright  scarlet,  and  the  scar- 
cest species  of  the  genus  that  is  worthy  of  notice.  C. 
truncatus,  branches  truncated,  flowers  deep  scarlet  and 
tubular,  from  two  to  three  inches  in  diameter ;  the  sta- 
mens protrude  from  the  corolla;  the  plant  is  of  a  dwarf 
growth  and  branched ;  when  in  flower  it  is  quite  a  pic- 
ture. It  is  said  that  there  are  free  and  shy  flowering 
varieties  of  this  species,  but  we  doubt  it ;  perhaps  it  is 
owing  to  the  cultivation  and  soil. 

Opuntias,  about  forty  species,  and  are  those  whose 
branches  are  in  joints  flatly  oblong,  or  ovate,  spines 
solitary,  or  in  clusters.  The  plants  are  not  so  desirable 


228  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING.  [MAY. 

for  beauty  of  flower  as  the  species  of  the  former  genus, 
but  many  of  them  are  remarkable  for  their  strong  gro- 
tesque and  spiny  appearance;  besides  several  of  the  spe- 
cies are  extensively  cultivated  for  the  Cochineal  insect. 
The  one  most  valued  for  that  purpose,  is  O.  cochimllifera, 
which  has  only  small  clusters  of  bristles  upon  the  ob- 
long ovate  joints,  and  produces  small  red  flowers ;  C. 
ficus  indica,  is  also  used,  but  is  very  spiny. 

Pereskias.  About  four  species,  and  those  that  are  of 
a  shrubby  nature  producing  leaves ;  P.  aculedta  bears 
a  fruit  called  "  Barbadoes-gooseberry."  The  flowers 
are  very  small  and  simple,  spines  about  half  an  inch 
long,  leaves  fleshy  and  elliptical. 

The  whole  of  the  plants  in  the  family  of  Cactece  re- 
quire very  little  water,  and  delight  in  a  dry  warm  situa- 
tion. They  do  not  agree  with  frequent  repotting;  once 
in  two  or  three  years  to  young  plants,  and  in  five  or  six 
to  those  that  are  established,  with  the  exception  of  the 
large,  free  flowering  species,  which  should  be  repotted 
once  in  two  years. 

Coffea  Jlrabica.  It  produces  the  celebrated  coffee,  and 
is  a  plant  universally  known  in  our  collections,  and  of 
easy  culture.  The  leaves  are  opposite,  oblong,  wavy 
and  shining,  the  flowers  white,  of  a  grateful  odour,  but 
of  short  duration.  There  is  a  plant  known  as  C.  occi- 
dentalis,  which  is  now  Tetramerium  odorattssimum.  It 
requires  a  great  heat  to  grow  well,  therefore  should 
be  kept  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  Hot-house.  The 
flowers  are  white,  in  panicles,  and  larger  than  the  com- 
mon jasmine,  and  is  very  sweet-scented;  leaves  oblong, 
lanceolate,  accuminate. 


;  f       .  : 

'  "*t-  <r 

MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING.  229 

Callicdrpas.  About  twelve  species,  and  are  generally 
admitted  into  collections,  though  of  no  particular  inte- 
rest or  beauty,  except  in  the  bright  purple  berries  they 
produce,  which  is  rarely.  The  foliage  is  of  a  rugose, 
hoary  appearance. 

CaroKneas.  About  six  species  of  tender  plants,  with 
large  digitate  leaves,  and  of  handsome  growth.  The 
flowers  have  numerous  filaments,  and  are  large  and 
singular.  C.  insignis  has  the  largest  and  compactest 
blossoms ;  C.  alba  is  the  only  one  of  the  genus  that  has 
white  flowers,  all  the  others  being  red ;  C.  princeps  and 
C.  robusta  are  noble  looking  species,  and  are  much  es- 
teemed. They  require  a  good  heat,  with  which  they 
will  grow  freely. 

Caryotas.  A  genus  of  palms.  C.  urens  is  an  admired 
species,  produces  flowers  in  long  pendulous  spikes, 
which  are  succeeded  by  strings  of  succulent  globular 
berries.  In  its  native  state  it  produces  a  sweet  liquor 
in  large  quantities,  and  no  stronger  than  water. 

Coccolobas,  Sea-side  grape.  This  genus  is  admired 
for  its  beautiful  large  foliage,  which  is  oblong  ovate, 
and  cordate  ovate ;  C.  pubescens  and  C.  latifolia  are 
the  finest  species.  They  bear  berries  in  clusters  like 
the  grape,  but  never  come  to  perfection  in  artificial 
cultivation. 

Cuphea  Melvilla,  is  the  only  species  of  the  genus  that 
is  particularly  deserving  of  a  situation,  has  lanceolate 
scabrous  leaves,  narrowed  at  each  end,  flowers  tubular 
in  a  terminale  whorl,  colour  scarlet  and  green.  The 
plant  must  be  well  drained.  It  will  flower  from  May  to 
September. 


230  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING.  [MAY. 

Crotons.  About  twenty-eight  species,  few  of  them 
deserving  cultivation;  but  the  genus  is  celebrated  for  its 
beautiful  C.  pictus,  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  variegated 
with  yellow,  and  stained  with  red,  flowers  small  green, 
on  axillary  spikes.  C.  varidgatus,  variety  fatifblia,  is 
finer  than  the  original  variagdtus,  the  nerves  in  the 
leaves  are  yellow,  and  the  leaves  lanceolate,  entire  and 
smooth.  To  make  them  grow  freely,  give  the  warmest 
part  of  the  Hot-house,  and  drain  the  pots  well. 

Cerberas.  About  twelve  species  of  strong  growing 
trees,  full  of  poisonous  juice.  C.  thevetia  is  an  elegant 
plant,  with  accuminate  leaves,  and  large,  nodding,  yel- 
low, solitary,  fragrant  flowers,  proceeding  from  the 
axil ;  C.  ahouai  produces  a  nut  which  is  deadly  poison. 
C.  odallam,  once  C.  mdnghas,  has  large  star-like  flowers, 
white,  shaded  with  red.  They  are  principally  East 
India  plants,  and  require  great  heat. 

Cycas,  four  species,  generally  called  Sago  palm,  as 
an  English  name.  The  plant  that  Sago  is  extracted 
from,  belongs  to  another  genus,  (see  SdgusS)  C.  revo- 
luta  is  a  well  known  palm,  and  will  keep  perfectly  well 
in  the  Green-house.  We  have  seen  a  beautiful  spe- 
cimen of  it  which  is  kept  every  winter  in  the  cellar,  but 
those  that  are  kept  so  cool  in  winter  only  grow  every 
alternate  year,  while  those  that  are  kept  in  the  Hot- 
house grow  every  year,  which  shows  that  heat  is  their 
element.  C.  circindlis  is  a  large  growing  species  ;  the 
fronds  are  much  longer,  but  not  so  close  and  thick.  C. 
glauca  is  a  fine  species;  the  foliage  is  slightly  glaucous. 
They  require  plenty  of  pot  room,  are  much  infested 
with  the  small  white  scaly  insect,  and  ought  to  be  fre- 


MAT.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING.  231 

quently  examined  and  carefully  washed  as  prescribed 
in  January. 

Combretums.  Nine  species  of  beautiful  flowering 
climbing  plants,  standing  in  very  high  estimation.  The 
leaves  of  the  principal  part  of  them  are  ovate,  acute, 
flowers  small  but  on  large  branches,  the  flowers  all 
coming  out  on  one  side  of  the  branch.  They  have  a 
magnificent  effect.  C.  elegans,  red ;  C.formosum,  red  and 
yellow ;  C.  pulchellum,  scarlet ;  C.  comosum  has  crimson 
flowers  in  tufts ;  C.  purpureum  is  the  most  splendid  of 
the  genus.  It  was  first  cultivated  in  1818,  and  so  much 
admired,  that  the  whole  of  the  species  as  soon  as  in- 
troduced, was  extravagantly  bought  up,  and  none  of 
them  has  retained  their  character,  except  C.purpureum, 
which  is  now  called  Poivrea  coccinea.  The  flowers  are 
bright  scarlet,  in  large  branches,  blooming  profusely 
from  April  to  September,  and  flower  best  in  a  pot. 
When  planted  in  the  ground  it  grows  too  much  to 
wood,  carrying  few  flowers.  This  plant  ought  to  be 
in  every  Hot-house. 

Crdssula.  This  genus  has  no  plants  in  it  attractive 
in  beauty.  Several  beautiful  plants  in  our  collections 
belong  to  Rochea  and  Kalosdnthus.  There  is  a  strong 
growing  succulent  plant,  known  in  our  collections  as 
C.falcdta,  which  is  R.falcdta.  It  seldom  flowers;  the 
minor  variety  blooms  profusely  every  year  from  May  to 
August,  and  has  showy  scarlet  flowers  in  terminale 
panicles.  The  plants  known  as  C.  coccinea  and  C.  ver- 
sicolor  are  now  given  to  the  genus  Kalosdnthus.  The 
flowers  of  the  former  are  like  scarlet  wax,  terminale 
and  sessile;  K.  odoratissima  has  yellow  terminale  sweet- 


sfej 

4  * 


232  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING.  [MAY. 

scented  flowers.  They  require  very  little  water,  only 
a  few  times  in  winter,  and  about  twice  a  week  in  sum- 
mer ;  they  are  all  desirable  plants. 

Coryphas,  (Large  fan  Palm,)  five  species  of  the  most 
noble  and  magnificent  of  palms.  C.  ambraculifera,  the 
fronds  or  leaves  are  palmate ;  in  Ceylon,  where  the 
tree  is  indigenous,  they  are  frequently  found  fifteen 
feet  wide  and  twenty  feet  long.  Knox  says  they  will 
cover  from  fifteen  to  twenty  men,  and  when  dried  will 
fold  up  in  the  shape  of  a  rod,  and  can  be  easily  carried 
about,  and  serve  to  protect  them  from  the  scorching 
sun.  C.  taliera,  now  Tallera  bengalensis,  being  stronger, 
is  of  great  utility  for  covering  houses.  They  do  not 
grow  to  such  immense  extent  in  artificial  cultivation, 
but  require  large  houses  to  grow  them. 

Cnnums,  about  one  hundred  species,  chiefly  stove 

7  J.  «/ 

bulbs,  many  of  them  beautiful.  Those  that  are  of 
great  celebrity  are  C.  cruentum,  colour  red ;  C.  scabrum, 
crimson  and  white ;  C.  amdbile,  purple  and  white ;  the 
neck  of  the  bulb  of  the  latter  is  long  and  easily  distin- 
guished from  its  purplish  colour,  and  is  considered  the 
finest  of  the  genus.  Several  specimens  of  it  are  in 
our  collections.  Their  flowers  are  in  umbels,  on  a 
stalk  from  one  to  three  feet  high;  corolla  funnel  shaped ; 
petals  recurved.  They  require  large  pots  to  make 
them  flower  well,  and  when  growing  to  be  liberally 
supplied  with  water. 

Cyrtanthus,  a  genus  of  Cape  bulbs,  containing  nine 
species,  and  will  do  very  well  in  the  Green-house,  but 
we  find  the  assistance  of  the  Hot-house  a  great  ad- 
vantage. They  are  closely  allied  to  Crtnum.  The 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE—  OF  REPOTTING,  &c,  233 

tubes  of  the  flowers  are  long  and  round,  with  various 
shades  of  orange,  yellow,  red,  and  green.     C.  odbrus, 

C.  striatus,  C.  obliquus,  and  C.  vittatus,  are  the  finest. 
When  the  bulbs  are  dormant,  which  will  be  from  Oc- 
tober to  January,  they  should  not  get  any  water  ;  be- 
fore they  begin  to  grow,  turn  the  bulb  out  of  the  old 
earth,  repotting  it   immediately.     At  this  time  they 
should  be  potted  with  the  balls  of  earth  entire,  which 
will  cause  them  to  flower  stronger. 

Caryophyllus  aromaticus,  is  the  only  species,  and  the 
tree  that  produces  cloves.  The  whole  .  plant  is  aro- 
matic, and  closely  allied  to  Myrtus  ;  the  flowers  are  in 
loose  panicles,  the  leaves  oblong,  accumulate,  entire. 
It  is  a  fine  evergreen.  Pots  must  be  well  drained. 

Dillenias,  three  species  of  fine  plants,  with  beautiful 
foliage.  D.  speciosa  has  produced  considerable  ex- 
citement in  our  collections.  The  leaves  are  elliptic, 
oblong,  simply  serrated,  nerves  deep  ;  the  flower  is 
white,  with  five  bold  petals,  centre  filled  with  barren 
anthers;  it  has  not  been  known  to  flower  in  America. 

D.  scdndens  has  ovate,  simply  serrated  leaves,  but  is  not 
known  as  to  flower  ;  it  is  a  fine  climber. 

Dracwnas,  Dragon-tree,  about  twelve  species  of  Asia- 
tic plants,  varied  in  character.  D.  ferrea  is  plentiful  in 
our  collections,  and  will  keep  in  the  Green-house  ;  but 
the  foliage  is  not  so  well  retained  as  when  kept  in  the 
Hot-house  ;  the  leaves  are  lanceolate,  acute,  of  a  dark 
purple  colour.  D.frdgrans,  when  in  bloom,  will  scent 
the  air  for  a  considerable  distance,  leaves  green  and 
lanceolate.  D.  margindta  is  rare,  yet  it  is  to  be  seen  in 

30 


234  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAT. 

a  few  of  our  collections.  D.  strictais  now  Charlwoodia* 
stricta,  flowers  blush  and  in  loose  panicles.  D.  Draco 
is  admired,  and  the  most  conspicuous  of  the  genus. 

Erdnthemums,  about  ten  species.  E.  pulchellum  and 
E.  bicolor  are  the  finest  of  the  genus ;  the  former  is  in 
our  collections,  but  miserably  treated.  The  soil  in 
which  it  is  grown  is  too  stiff  and  loamy,  and  it  seldom 
gets  enough  of  heat.  The  latter  is  indispensable  to 
make  it  flower  in  perfection ;  therefore  it  should  have 
the  warmest  part  of  the  house,  and  it  will  produce 
flowers  of  a  fine  blue  colour  from  January  to  Septem- 
ber. The  flowers  of  the  latter  are  white  and  dark  pur- 
ple, with  a  few  brown  spots  in  the  white ;  blooms  from 
April  to  August.  Drain  the  pots  well,  and  give  the 
plants  little  sun  during  summer. 

Eugenias,  about  thirty  species,  esteemed  for  their 
handsome  evergreen  foliage.  This  genus  once  con- 
tained a  few  celebrated  species,  which  have  been  divid- 
ed. (See  Jambbsa.}  The  Allspice  tree,  known  as 
Myrtus  Pimenta,  is  now  E.  Pimento. ;  the  leaves  are 
ovate,  lanceolate,  and  when  broken  have  an  agreeable 
scent.  There  are  several  varieties  all  of  the  same 
spicy  fragrance.  The  plant  is  in  very  few  of  our  col- 
lections. E.frdgrans  is  sweet  scented ;  the  flowers  are 
on  axillary  peduncles:  leaves  ovate,  obtuse. 

Euphorbia  (spurg),  a  genus  of  plants  disseminated 
over  every  quarter  of  the  globe ;  a  few  are  beautiful, 
many  grotesque,  and  several  the  most  worthless  weeds 

*  In  honour  of  Mr.  Charlwood,  an  extensive  seedsman  of  London,  who  has 
made  several  botanical  excursions  on  this  continent. 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  235 

on  the  earth.  There  are  about  two  hundred  species,  and 
from  all  of  them,  when  probed,  a  thick  milky  fluid  ex- 
udes. Those  of  the  tropics  are  the  most  curious,  and 
very  similar  in  appearance  to  Cactus,  but  easily  detect- 
ed by  the  above  perforation.  There  is  a  magnificent 
species  in  our  collections,  which  was  lately  introduced 
from  Mexico.*  It  goes  under  the  name  of  E.  hetero- 
phylla.  The  flowers  of  the  whole  genus  are  apetalous, 
and  the  beauty  is  in  the  bractese;  of  the  species  alluded 
to  the  bracteae  is  bright  crimson,  very  persistent,  and 
above  six  inches  in  diameter,  when  well  grown.  The 
plant  requires  a  strong  heat,  or  the  foliage  will  become 
yellow  and  fall  off.  We  question  whether  this  species  is 
nondescript  or  as  above.  It  is  a  brilliant  ornament  to  the 
Hot-house  three  fourths  of  the  year,  and  always  during 
winter,  and  should  have  a  situation  in  every  tropical 
collection. 

Erythnnas  (Coral  tree),  a  genus  containing  about 
thirty  species  of  leguminose,  scarlet-flowering  plants. 
Several  species  are  greatly  esteemed  for  their  beauty 
and  profusion  of  flowers,  which  in  well  established 
plants  are  produced  in  long  spikes  at  the  end  of  the 
stems  and  branches.  E.  Corallodendrum  blooms  magni- 
ficently in  the  West  Indies,  but  in  our  collections  has 
never  flowered.  Perhaps  if  it  was  kept  dry  during  its 
dormant  season,  which  is  from  November  to  January, 
and  when  growing  greatly  encouraged,  it  might  pro- 
duce flowers.  E.  specibsa  is  a  splendid  flowerer,  leaves 
large,  ternated,  and  prickly  beneath ;  stem  prickly.  E. 
pubescens  is  valued  for  its  large  peculiar  brown  pubes- 
cent leaves. 

*  By  Poinsett  the  American  Consul  for  Mexico  in  1828. 


•r  * 


236  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAY. 

In  regard  to  E.  herbdcea,  which  is  a  native  of  the  Caro- 
linas,  and  frequently  treated  as  a  Hot-house  plant,  it  is 
our  opinion  that  it  would  be  more  perfectly  grown  if 
planted  about  the  first  of  this  month  in  the  garden;  and 
when  growing,  if  well  supplied  with  water,  it  would 
flower  from  July  to  September.  About  the  first  of  No- 
vember lift  the  roots  and  preserve  them  in  half  dry  earth, 
in  the  same  place  with  the  Dahlias.  E.  laurifblia  and  E. 
crista-galli  are  likewise  often  treated  as  Hot- house  plants, 
and  in  such  situations  they  cast  prematurely  their  first 
flowers,  by  the  confined  state  of  the  air.  They  will  keep 
in  perfect  preservation  during  winter  in  a  dry  cellar,  half 
covered  with  earth,  or  entirely  covered  with  half  dry 
earth;  consequently,  the  best  and  easiest  method  of 
treatment,  is  to  plant  them  in  the  garden  about  the 
first  of  May,  and  when  growing,  if  the  ground  becomes 
dry,  give  them  frequent  waterings.  They  will  flower 
profusely  three  or  four  times  in  the  course  of  summer. 

We  freely  recommend  the  last  species  to  all  our  pa- 
trons, confident  that  it  will  give  ample  satisfaction,  both 
in  profusion  of  flower  and  beauty  of  colour.  The  soil 
they  are  to  be  planted  into  should  be  according  to 
that  prescribed  in  the  list ;  or  if  they  are  kept  in  pots, 
they  must  be  enlarged  three  or  four  times,  when  they 
are  in  a  growing  state,  to  make  them  flower  perfectly; 
otherwise  they  will  be  diminutive. 

Flcus,  Fig-tree,  a  genus  containing  above  fifty  Hot- 
house species,  besides  several  that  belong  to  the  Green- 
house; greatly  admired  for  the  beauty  of  their  foliage. 
A  few  of  them  are  deciduous,  and  all  of  the  easiest  cul- 
ture. We  have  seen  plants  of  F.  eldstica  hung  in  the 
back  of  the  Hot-house,  without  the  smallest  particle  of 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE—  OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  237 

earth,  their  only  support  being  sprinklings  of  water 
every  day.  F.  Brdssii  is  the  finest  looking  species  that 
has  come  under  our  observation  ;  the  leaves  are  very 
large,  shining,  cordate,  accumulate;  nerves  strong  and 
white.  As  the  beauty  of  these  plants  is  entirely  in  the 
foliage  and  habit,  we  will  select  the  best  of  them  in  the 
list  to  which  we  refer. 

Gcertnera  racemosa,  is  a  large  climbing  woody  shrub, 
with  pinnated  leaves,  leaflets  ovate,  lanceolate,  flowers 
white,  five  petaled,  beautifully  fringed  ;  blooms  in  dense 
panicles.  When  the  plants  are  allowed  to  climb,  they 
do  not  flower  freely  ;  but  if  closely  cut  in,  they  will 
flower  every  year  in  great  profusion,  after  the  plants 
are  well  established.  It  is  now  called  Hiptdge  Mada- 
bldta. 

Geissomeria  longiflora.  This  is  a  new  genus,  and 
closely  allied  to  Ruellia.  The  species  alluded  to,  is  a 
free  flowerer,  blooming  from  May  to  August,  in  close 
spikes  of  a  scarlet  colour;  leaves  opposite,  ovate,  elon- 
gate, and  shining  ;  the  plants  must  be  well  drained,  and 
in  summer  kept  from  the  direct  influence  of  the  sun. 

Gardenias,  a  genus  containing  about  seventeen  spe- 
cies, several  of  them  very  popular  in  our  collections, 
going  under  the  name  of  Cape  Jasmine,  which  do  well 
in  the  Green-house,  (see  May.}  The  species  requiring 
this  department,  and  deserving  attention,  are  G.  cam- 
panulata,  of  a  soft  woody  nature,  with  ovate,  accumulate 
leaves  ;  flowers  of  a  straw  colour,  and  solitary  ;  G. 
amcena,  the  flowers  are  white,  tinged  with  crimson,  ter- 
minale  and  solitary  ;  G.  costdta,  admired  for  its  beauti- 
ful ribbed  foliage,  G.  lucida  has  a  handsome,  ovate, 


\ 


)   « 
238  HOT-HOUSE—OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAY. 

accuminate,  shining  foliage;  flowers  white  and  solitary. 
They  require  to  have  the  pots  well  drained. 

Heritiera  littoralis,  Looking-glass  plant.  This  plant 
is  unisexual,  has  beautiful  large,  ovate,  veiny  leaves ; 
the  flowers  are  small,  red,  with  male  and  female  on  the 
same  plant,  but  different  flowers.  It  requires  a  strong 
heat,  and  plenty  of  pot  room.  How  the  English  name 
becomes  applicable  to  it,  we  are  not  acquainted. 

Hibiscus.  This  genus  affords  many  fine  species  and 
varieties  of  plants  for  the  Hot-house,  besides  others 
for  every  department  of  the  garden.  The  most  popu- 
lar in  our  collections  for  the  Hot-house,  is  H.  Rosa  si- 
nensis,  with  its  varieties,  which  are  magnificent,  and 
flower  profusely  from  April  to  September.  The  single 
or  original  species  is  seldom  seen  in  cultivation ;  the 
varieties  are  H.  Rosa  sinensis  rubro  plenus,  double  red  ; 
H.  R.  S.  cdrnea  plenus,  double  salmon ;  H.  R.  S. 
variegatus,  double  striped;  H.  R.  S.  fldvo-plenus,  double 
buff;  H.  R.  S.  lutea  plenus,  double  yellow,  or  rather 
sulphur.  The  plants  grow  freely,  and  produce  their 
flowers  three  or  four  inches  of  diameter,  from  the 
young  wood ;  the  leaves  are  ovate,  accuminate,  smooth, 
entire  at  the  base,  and  coarsely  toothed  at  the  end.  All 
the  varieties  are  of  the  same  character,  and  highly  de- 
serving of  a  situation  in  every  collection.  There  is 
said  to  be  a  double  white  variety,  which  we  doubt ; 
it  is  not  in  artificial  cultivation.  H.  mutabilis  flore  pleno 
is  a  splendid  plant  of  strong  growth,  and  will,  when  well 
established,  flower  abundantly,  if  the  wood  of  last  year 
is  cut  to  within  a  few  eyes  of  the  wood  of  the  previous 
year ;  the  flowers  are  produced  on  the  young  wood,  and 


MAT.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING.  &c.  239 

come  out  a  pale  colour,  and  change  to  bright  red,  and 
about  the  size  of  a  garden  Provins  rose ;  leaves  downy, 
cordate,  angular,  five-lobed,  accuminate,  and  slightly 
toothed.  H.  lilliiflbrus,  is  a  new  highly  esteemed  spe- 
cies ;  the  flowers  are  various  in  colour,  being  pink, 
blush,  red,  purple,  and  striped.  We  have  not  seen  it 
in  flower,  but  had  its  character  verbally,  from  a  re- 
spectable cultivator.  The  leaves  vary  in  character, 
but  are  generally  cordate,  crenate,  accuminate ;  the 
petioles  are  brown,  and  the  whole  slightly  hirsute ;  is 
deciduous,  and  requires  to  be  kept  in  the  warmest  part 
of  the  house. 

Hoyas,  Wax-plant,  seven  species.  All  of  them  are 
climbing  succulents,  requiring  plenty  of  heat  and  little 
water.  H.  carnosa  is  the  finest  flowering  species  of  the 
genus,  and  known  in  our  collections  as  the  wax  plant ; 
the  leaves  are  green  and  fleshy ;  the  flowers  are  melli- 
fluous, five  parted,  and  in  pendulous  bunches,  slightly 
bearded,  and  have  every  appearance  of  a  composition 
of  the  finest  wax ;  of  a  blush  colour.  H.  crassifolia  has 
the  best  looking  foliage,  and  the  flowers  are  white. 
The  former  will  keep  in  the  Green-house,  but  will  not 
flower  so  profusely. 

Herndndias,  Jack-in-a-box.  The  species  are  rare, 
except  H.  sonora,  which  is  an  elegant  looking,  plant, 
when  well  grown ;  the  leaves  are  peltate,  cordate,  accu- 
minate, smooth;  flowers  white,  and  in  panicles;  the 
fruit  a  nut.  The  English  name  is  said  to  have  been 
given,  in  allusion  to  the  small  flowers  and  large  leaves 
of  the  plant.  A  great  heat  is  required  to  grow  it 
well. 


240  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAY. 

.  Ipomceas,  a  genus  of  tropical  climbing  plants,  nearly 
allied  to  Convolvulus,  but  of  greater  beauty.  /.  panicu- 
Idta  has  large  purple  flowers  in  panicles,  with  large 
palmated  smooth  leaves.  /.  Jdlapa  is  the  true  jalap  of 
the  druggists,  but  not  worthy  of  any  other  remark.  /. 
grandiflora,  large  white  flowers,  with  acute  petals;  leaves 
large,  cordate,  ovate.  /.  pukhella  has  flowers  of  a  hand- 
some violet  colour.  They  are  all  easily  cultivated.  It 
is  said  that  /.  tuberbsa  is  much  used  in  the  West  Indies 
to  cover  arbours,  and  will  grow  three  hundred  feet  in 
one  season ;  the  flowers  are  purple  striped  with  yellow, 
leaves  palmated.  We  are  not  certain  but  the  roots  of 
this  kind  may  be  kept  like  the  sweet  potato,  and  be- 
come a  useful  ornament  to  our  gardens. 

Ixoras,  a  genus  of  fine  flowering  plants,  and  does  ex- 
tremely well  in  our  collections  in  comparison  to  the 
state  they  are  grown  in  England.  The  genus  specifi- 
cally is  much  confused  amongst  us,  either  from  error 
originating  with  those  who  packed  them  for  this  coun- 
try, or  after  they  have  arrived.  /.  purpiirea,  leaves  ob- 
long, ovate,  blunt ;  flowers  crimson ;  it  is  now  called 
/.  obovata.  /.  crocdta,  leaves  oval,  lanceolate,  narrowing 
towards  the  stem,  smooth,  underside  of  the  leaf  the 
nerves  are  very  perceptible ;  flowers  saffron  coloured. 
/.  rbsea,  leaves  large,  regular,  oblong,  a  little  acute, 
very  distant  on  the  wood,  centre  nerve  strong ;  flowers 
rose  coloured  in  large  corymbs,  branching :  /.  Band- 
huca,  leaves  very  close  to  the  stem,  ovate,  accumulate; 
nerves  straight,  middle  nerve  stronger  than  any  other  of 
the  genus  ;  flowers  scarlet,  corymbs  crowded.  /.  Bldn- 
da,  leaves  small,  lanceolate,  ovate ;  flowers  blush,  cymes 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c,  24 1 

branching  in  three.  /.  dichotima,  leaves  largest  of  the 
genus,  ovate,  accuminate,  undulate,  footstalk  f  of  an  inch 
long;  whereas  none  of  the  leaves  of  the  other  species  has 
footstalks  of  any  length.  It  is  now  called  /.  undulata, 
flowers  are  white.  /.  grandiflbra,  leaves  ovate,  elongate, 
sessile ;  flowers  in  crowded  corymbs,  and  scarlet ;  is 
called/,  coccinea  in  the  Botanical  Magazine,  by  which  it 
is  known  in  our  collections,  and  is  the  same  as  /.  stricta. 
L  fldmmea  and  /.  speciosa,  leaves  oblong,  subsessile  ; 
flowers  scarlet,  in  round  spreading  dense  corymbs. 
Lfulgens,  same  as  /.  longifblia  and  /.  lanceoldta  ;  foliage 
glossy;  flowers  scarlet.  /.  Pavetta,  the  flowers  are  white, 
and  said  to  be  sweet-scented,  the  leaves  of  all  the  species 
are  opposite ;  there  are  a  few  other  species  that  we  are 
not  thoroughly  acquainted  with,  but  have  been  thus  ex- 
plicit to  prevent  error  as  far  as  possible  in  this  beautiful 
genus.  They  are  all  evergreen,  low  growing  shrubs; 
the  plants  grow  best  in  Jersey  black  sandy  earth,  but 
flower  most  abundantly  with  half  loam. 

Jacarandas,  a  genus  of  beautiful  shrubs,  containing 
five  species,  with  Bignonia-likQ  blue  or  purple  flowers. 
/.  mimosifolia  and  /.  filicifolia  are  the  finest.  The  for- 
mer has  blue,  and  the  latter  purple  flowers;  in  loose 
branching  panicles.  They  are  evergreen,  and  easy  of 
culture. 

Jambbsas,  about  twelve  species,  which  have  been  prin- 
cipally taken  from  Eugenia,  and  contain  its  finest  plants, 
and  is  a  splendid  genus  of  evergreen  shrubs.  E.  Jdmbos 
is  now  Jambbsa  vulgaris,  which  flowers  and  fruits  freely  in 
our  Hot-houses.  The  fruit  is  about  an  inch  in  diameter, 

31 


242  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAY. 

eatable,  and  smelling  like  a  rose,  hence  called  "  Rose 
Apple."  The  petals  of  all  the  species  are  simple,  and 
may  rather  be  considered  the  calyx;  the  beauty  of  the 
flowers  is  in  the  many  erect  spreading  stamens,  either 
straw,  white,  rose,  or  green  colour.  J.  malaccensis, 
Malay  Apple,  is  greatly  esteemed  for  the  delightful  fra- 
grance of  its  fruit.  We  frequently  see  /.  purpurdscens, 
which  is  a  native  of  the  West  Indies,  going  under  J.  m. 
which  is  an  Asiatic  species,  with  white  flowers  and  en- 
tire oblong  leaves ;  whereas'the  leaves  of  J.  p.  are  small, 
ovate,  accuminate,  young  shoots  and  leaves  purple.  J. 
macrophylla,  white,  and  J.  amplexicaulis,  green,  have  very 
large  oblong,  lanceolate  leaves,  and  is  of  a  strong  woody 
habit.  They  are  all  easy  of  culture. 

Jasmlnum,  Jasmine,  is  a  favourite  genus  of  shrubs,  for 
the  exquisite  fragrance  of  its  flowers,  of  which  none  are 
more  delightful  than  J.  Sdmbac  or  Arabian  Jasmine. 
There  are  two  other  varieties  of  it,  J.  S.  multiplex,  semi- 
double  ;  and  /.  S.  trifoliatum,  Double  Tuscan  Jasmine. 
The  latter  requires  a  great  heat  to  make  it  grow  and 
flower  freely.  We  suspect  there  is  another  variety  in 
cultivation.  /.  hirsutum,  has  cordate  downy  leaves; 
flowers  many,  in  terminale,  sessile  umbels.  J.  paniculd- 
tum,  white,  flowering  in  terminale  panicles  from  March 
to  November;  leaves  smooth,  oval,  obtusely  accuminate; 
plant  scarce.  J.  simplicifblium  is  in  our  collections  under 
the  name  of  J.  lucidum;  plant  spreading ;  leaves  oblong 
and  shining.  There  are  several  other  species,  all  with 
white  flowers,  and  generally  easy  of  culture. 

Jdtropha,  Physic-nut,  is  a  genus  of  six  strong  growing 
shrubs,  natives  of  the  West  Indies.  J.  multifida  and  /. 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE—OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  243 

pandurapfdlia  have  the  handsomest  foliage,  and  both 
have  scarlet  flowers ;  the  appearance  of  the  foliage  of 
this  genus  is  the  only  object;  the  flowers  are  small,  in 
coarse  disfigured  panicles,  and  several  of  the  species 
have  not  been  known  to  flower  in  artificial  cultivation. 
The  seeds  of/,  curcas  are  often  received  from  the  West 
Indies ;  the  leaves  are  cordate,  angular,  and  smooth.  J. 
manihot,  now  Manihot  cannabina,  is  the  Cassada  root, 
the  juice  of  which,  when  expressed,  is  a  strong  poison. 
They  are  all  easy  of  culture :  want  of  strong  heat  in 
winter  will  make  them  cast  their  leaves,  but  do  them 
no  other  injury. 

Justicia.  A  few  species  of  this  genus  are  fine  showy 
hot-house  plants.  J.  coccmea  has  large  terminale  spikes 
of  scarlet  flowers,  blooming  from  December  to  March, 
and  a  very  desirable  plant,  of  easy  culture,  and  should 
be  in  every  collection ;  it  is  apt  to  grow  spindly,  if  not 
kept  near  the  glass.  I.picta,  with  its  varieties ;  /.  luci- 
da  and  Lformosa,  are  fine  shrubby  species.  /.  speciosa 
is  a  beautiful  purple  flowering  herbaceous  plant. 

KcBmpferia,  an  Asiatic  genus  of  tuberose  rooted 
plants;  none  of  them  in  our  collections,  except  K.  ro- 
tunda ;  the  flowers  come  up  a  few  inches  above  the  pot, 
without  the  leaves,  in  April  and  May  and  frequently 
sooner;  they  are  purple  and  light  blue,  partially  streak- 
ed and  spotted ;  leaves  large,  oblong,  purplish  coloured 
beneath.  The  roots  when  dormant  ought  to  be  kept 
in  the  pot  without  watering,  otherwise  they  will  not 
flower  freely.  No  bulbs  or  strong  tuberose  rooted  plants, 
will  flower  in  perfection  if  kept  moist  when  they  are 
not  growing. 


244  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  *c.  [MAY. 

Lantdna,  a  genus  of  twenty  species,  all  free  flowering 
shrubs ;  the  flowers  are  small,  in  round  heads  blooming 
from  the  axils,  in  yellow,  orange,  pink,  white,  and  chan- 
geable colours ;  the  plants  are  of  such  a  rough  strag- 
gling growth,  that  they  are  not  esteemed.  There  are 
four  or  five  species  in  our  collections.  They  will  not  bear 
a  strong  fumigation ;  therefore,  when  the  Hot-house  is 
under  that  operation,  they  must  be  set  down  in  the 
pathway,  or  other  low  part  in  the  house. 

Latdnias.  This  genus  contains  three  species  of 
handsome  palms.  L.  borbonica  is  one  of  the  finest  of 
the  Pa/mc&,  not  growing  to  great  magnitude;  the  leaves 
or  fronds  are  plaited  flabelliform,  leaflets  smooth  at 
the  edge,  footstalk  spiny,  and  the  plant  spreading.  L. 
rubra,  fronds  same  as  the  former,  but  leaflets  more 
divided  and  serrulate ;  footstalk  unarmed ;  foliage  red- 
dish. L.  glaucophylla,  same  as  £/.  rubra,  only  the  foliage 
glaucous.  They  are  all  valuable  plants,  and  are  ob- 
tained by  seed  from  the  East  Indies.  They  require 
plenty  of  pot  room. 

Laurus.  This  genus,  though  of  no  beauty  in  flower, 
is  generally  admired  in  collections  for  its  fine  evergreen 
foliage,  and  aromatic  or  spicy  flavour,  and  several 
trees  are  important  in  medicine.  The  most  esteemed 
are  given  to  a  genus  named  Cmnamomum,  as  has  been 
observed  in  the  Green-house,  (see  March.)  L.  Chloroxy- 
lon  is  the  Cogwood  of  Jamaica.  L.  Persea  is  now 
Persea  gratis  sima.  Alligator-pear,  a  fruit  about  the  size 
of  a  large  pear,  and  greatly  esteemed  in  the  West 
Indies.  The  plant  is  generally  known  in  our  collec- 
tions. C.  verum  is  the  true  Cinnamon  of  commerce. 


MA  Y.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  245 

The  part  taken  is  the  inside  of  the  bark  when  the  tree 
is  from  five  to  eighteen  years  old.  The  leaves  are 
three-nerved,  ovate,  oblong;  nerves  vanishing  towards 
the  point,  bright  green  above,  pale  beneath,  with  whit- 
ish veins.  This  plant  ought  to  be  kept  in  the  warmest 
part  of  the  Hot-house.  C.  cassia,  is  frequently  given 
under  the  former  name,  but  when  compared  may  be 
easily  detected  by  the  leaves  being  more  lanceolate, 
and  a  little  pubescent.  They  both  make  handsome 
plants,  but  require  great  heat.  Drain  the  pots  well  of 
the  delicate  sorts. 

Magnifera,  Mango  tree.  There  are  two  species. 
M.  indica  is  in  our  collections,  and  bears  a  fruit  which 
is  so  highly  esteemed  in  the  East  Indies,  as  to  be  con- 
sidered preferable  to  any  other  except  very  fine  pine 
apples.  The  leaves  are  lanceolate,  and  from  six  to 
eight  inches  long,  and  two  or  more  broad.  The 
flowers  are  produced  in  loose  bunches  at  the  end  of 
the  branches,  but  of  no  beauty,  and  have  to  be  artifi- 
cially impregnated,  or  it  will  scarcely  produce  fruit. 
The  shell  is  kidney-shaped,  and  of  a  leathery,  crusta- 
ceous  substance.  They  contain  one  seed,  and  in  their 
indigenous  state  are  more  juicy  than  an  apple.  Drain 
the  pots  well,  as  the  roots  are  apt  to  get  sodden  from 
moisture.  The  other  species  goes  under  the  name  of 
oppositifolia,  but  we  question  if  it  is  not  only  a  variety, 
for  it  has  every  character  of  the  one  just  described. 

Meldstoma,  was  once  an  extensive  genus,  on  which 
the  natural  order  Melastomacece  is  founded ;  but  is  now 
much  divided  into  other  genera  contained  in  the  natural 
tribe  Micomece.  There  are  about  thirteen  species  re- 


246  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAY. 

maining  in  the  genus.  They  now  display  great  unity 
of  character,  and  many  of  them  may  be  considered 
very  ornamental.  The  finest  are  M.  malabdthrica, 
rose-coloured;  M.  sanguined,  lilac;  M.  decemfida, 
purple;  M.  pulverulenta,  red;  and  M.  dspera,  rose. 
There  is  a  plant  in  several  of  our  collections  known 
as  M.  purpurea  and  M.  tetragona,  which  is  Osscea  pur- 
purdscens;  leaves  ovate,  lanceolate,  accuminate,  five- 
nerved,  pilose ;  the  footstalk  and  nerves  underside  of 
the  leaf  covered  with  brown  hairs;  stem  four-sided; 
flowers  purple.  All  the  species  are  easy  of  culture. 
M.  nepalensis  is  a  Green-house  plant. 

Malpighia,  (Barbadoes-cherry,)  about  eighteen  spe- 
cies, all  beautiful  evergreen  trees  or  shrubs.  They 
are  easily  distinguished  by  having  bristles  on  the  under 
side  of  the  leaves.  These  bristles  are  fixed  by  the 
centre,  so  that  either  end  of  it  will  sting.  We  are  not 
aware  of  any  other  plant  being  defended  in  the  man- 
ner. M.  urens  has  oblong  ovate  leaves  with  decum- 
bent stiff  bristles ;  flowers  pink.  M.  aquifblia  has  lan- 
ceolate, stiff,  spiny  leaves,  and  we  think  the  most 
beautiful  foliage  of  the  genus.  M.fucata  has  elliptical 
shining  leaves,  with  lilac  flowers.  M.  gldbra,  leaves 
ovate,  entire,  smooth ;  flowers  purple.  They  all  have 
five  rounded  clawed  petals.  The  last  species  is  cul- 
tivated in  the  West  Indies  for  its  fruit.  The  pots  must 
be  well  drained. 

Marica-i  a  genus  of  Hot-house  plants,  closely  allied 
to  /m,  between  which  there  is  no  distinction  in  the 
leaves.  The  flowers  of  M.  ccerulea  are  beautifully  spot- 
ted with  light  and  dark  blue,  the  scape  many  flowered. 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  247 

M.  Sabmi  has  flowers  similar,  but  not  so  dark  in  colour. 
M.  Northidna  has  splendid  white  and  brown  spotted 
flowers,  spathe  two  flowered.  These  plants  when 
growing  require  a  liberal  supply  of  water,  and  to  be 
greatly  encouraged  by  frequent  potting  to  flower  well. 

Musa  (Plantain-tree),  contains  eight  species,  and  is 
greatly  esteemed  in  the  East  and  West  Indies  for  the 
luscious  sweet  flavour  of  its  fruit,  which  can  be  convert- 
ed into  every  delicacy  in  the  domestic  cookery  of  the 
country.  M.  paradisi&a  is  the  true  plantain  tree,  has  a 
soft  herbaceous  stalk,  15  or  20  feet  high,  with  leaves 
from  5  to  7  feet  long,  and  about  2  feet  wide.  M.  sapi- 
entum  is  the  true  Banana-tree;  habit  and  character 
same  as  the  former,  except  it  has  a  spotted  stem,  and 
the  male  flowers  are  deciduous.  The  pulp  of  the  fruit 
is  softer,  and  the  taste  more  luscious.  M.  rosdcea,  M. 
coccinea,  and  M.  chinensis,  are  most  esteemed  in  arti- 
ficial cultivation  for  their  flowers,  and  being  smaller  in 
growth.  They  all  require  a  very  liberal  supply  of  wa- 
ter when  growing.  They  do  best  to  be  planted  in  the 
soil,  where  there  can  be  a  small  corner  of  the  Hot- 
house set  apart  for  the  purpose.  They  will  be  orna- 
mental, but  if  kept  in  pots  they  will  never  attain  any 
degree  of  perfection. 

Nepenthes  (Pitcher  plant).  There  are  two  species 
of  this  plant.  N.  distilhtoria  is  an  esteemed  and  valu- 
able plant  in  European  collections.  The  leaves  are 
lanceolate  and  sessile;  from  their  extremity  there  is  a 
spiral,  attached  to  which  are  lublar  inflated  appendages 
that  are  generally  filled  with  water,  which  appears  to 
be  confined  within  them  by  a  lid,  with  which  the  ap- 


.. 

248  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAT. 

pendages  are  surmounted ;  hence  the  name  of  pitcher 
plant.  We  have  never  observed  these  lids  close  again 
when  once  open.  Writers  have  called  it  a  herbaceous 
plant,  but  it  is  properly  a  shrub,  never  dying  to  the 
ground,  having  a  continuation  of  extension.  The  pot 
in  which  it  grows  should  be  covered  with  moss,  and  the 
roots  liberally  supplied  with  water  every  day.  It  de- 
lights to  be  in  a  marshy  state.  The  flowers  are  small 
and  in  long  spikes. 

Pancratium  is  a  genus  of  Hot-house  bulbs,  and  now 
only  contains  five  species.  They  are  all  free-flowering. 
Several  of  them  are  handsome  and  fragrant.  P.  Mart- 
timum  and  P.  verecundum  are  the  finest;  the  flowers 
are  white,  in  large  umbels ;  petals  long,  recurved,  and 
undulate.  P.  littoralis,  P.  specibsum,  and  P.  caribceum, 
are  now  given  to  the  genus  Hymenocdllis,  and  are  fine 
flowering  species.  Care  must  be  taken  not  to  give 
them  much  water  while  dormant.  The  soil  ought  at 
that  time  to  be  in  a  half  dry  state.  They  are  in  flower 
from  May  to  August. 

Polyspbra  axillaris,  once  called  Camellia  axillaris, 
though  in  appearance  it  has  no  characteristic  of  a 
Camellia,  and  has  been  frequently  killed  in  the  Green- 
house by  being  too  cold  for  its  nature ;  leaves  oblong, 
obovate,  towards  the  extremity  serrulate.  The  leaves 
on  the  young  wood  are  entire.  Flowers  white ;  petals 
a  little  notched.  It  is  worthy  of  a  situation  in  every 
collection. 

Passiflora,  "  Passion-Flower,  so  named  on  account 
of  its  being  supposed  to  represent  in  the  appendages 
of  its  flower  the  Passion  of  Jesus  Christ."  There  are 


'v...'..  * 


i 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE—OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  249 

about  fifty  species,  all  climbing  plants,  that  belong  to 
the  Hot-house.  Many  are  of  no  ordinary  beauty;  a 
few  species  are  odoriferous ;  others  bear  edible  fruits, 
though  not  rich  in  flavour.  P.  data  is  in  our  collections, 
and  greatly  admired;  the  flowers  are  red,  blue,  and  white, 
beautifully  contrasted,  and  flower  profusely  in  pots.  P. 
racemosa,  has  red  flowers,  and  one  of  the  most  profuse 
in  flowering.  P.  cceruleo-racemosa,  purple  and  red, 
and  by  many  thought  to  be  the  finest  of  the  genus.  P. 
quadrangularis  has  beautiful  red  and  white  flowers. 
The  plant  is  in  several  collections,  but  has  seldom 
flowered ;  it  requires  to  be  planted  in  the  ground  to 
make  it  flower  freely,  and  it  will  also  produce  fruit.  P. 
filamentosa  is  white  and  blue,  and  a  good  flower er.  P. 
picturata  is  a  scarce  and  beautiful  variously  coloured 
species.  There  are  many  other  fine  species,  but  these 
are  the  most  esteemed  sorts ;  and  when  well  establish- 
ed will  flower  profusely  from  May  to  August.  They 
are  desirable  in  every  collection,  and  will  take  only  a 
small  space  to  hold  them,  by  training  the  vines  up  the 
rafters  of  the  Hot-house. 

Panddnus,  Screw  Pine.  There  are  above  twenty 
species  in  this  genus,  several  of  them  very  interesting, 
but  none  so  greatly  admired  as  P.  odoralissimus.  The 
leaves  in  established  plants  are  from  four  to  six  feet 
long,  on  the  back  and  edges  spiny ;  are  spreading,  im- 
bricated, and  embracing  the  stem,  and  placed  in  three 
spiral  rows  upon  it,  The  top  soon  becomes  heavy 
when  the  plant  throws  out  prongs  one,  two,  or  three 
feet  up  the  stem  in  an  oblique  descending  direction, 
which  take  root  in  the  ground,  and  thus  become  per- 
32 


250  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  <fcc.  [MAT. 

fectly  supported.  It  is  cultivated  in  Japan  for  its  de- 
lightful fragrance,  and  it  is  said,  "  of  all  the  perfumes, 
it  is  by  far  the  richest  and  most  powerful."  P.  utilis, 
red  spined.  We  question  this  species,  and  are  inclined 
to  believe  that  it  is  the  former,  only  when  the  plants 
are  newly  raised  from  seed,  the  spines  and  leaves  are 
red,  changing  to  green  as  they  become  advanced  in 
age.  The  plants  are  easy  of  culture,  and  will  grow 
almost  in  any  soil. 

Pterospermum,  five  species  of  plants  that  have  very 
curiously  constructed  flowers,  of  a  white  colour,  and 
fragrant ;  the  foliage  is  of  a  brown  rusty  nature,  and 
before  expansion  snVery-like.  P.  suberifolium  is  in  seve- 
ral of  our  collections,  and  esteemed.  P.  semisagittatum 
has  fringed  bractsea ;  leaves  oblong,  accuminate,  entire, 
sagittate  on  one  side. 

Plumerias,  above  twenty  species.  Plants  of  a  slow 
growth,  robust  nature,  and  are  deciduous.  The  foli- 
age is  greatly  admired.  The  plants  are  shy  to  flower, 
but  are  brilliant  in  colour.  P.  acuminata,  has  lanceo- 
late, acute  leaves;  flowers  corymbose  and  terminale. 
P.  tricolor  has  oblong,  acute,  veiny  leaves ;  corolla  red, 
yellow,  and  white.  This  and  P.  rubra  are  the  finest  of 
the  genus.  They  ought  not  to  get  any  water  while 
not  in  a  growing  state. 

Ph&nix,  Date-palm,  about  eight  species,  principally 
Asiatic  plants.  The  foliage  is  not  so  attractive  as 
many  others  of  the  palm  family,  but  it  is  rendered  in- 
teresting by  producing  a  well  known  fruit  called  Date. 
P.  dactyKfera  will  do  very  well  in  a  common  Green- 
house. In  Arabia,  Upper  Egypt,  and  Barbary,  it  is 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE-- OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  251 

much  used  in  domestic  economy.  P.  paludosa  has  the 
most  beautiful  foliage,  and  the  best  haljit.  The  flowers 
are  dioecious. 

Roscdea.  A  genus  of  about  five  species,  all  pretty, 
but  not  much  known.  R.  purpurea  has  been  introduc- 
ed into  our  collections,  and  is  the  finest  of  the  genus. 
The  flowers  are  light  purple,  large,  and  in  terminale 
sheaths  at  the  top  of  the  stem.  R.  spicdta  and  R.  eapi- 
tata  are  both  fine  species,  with  blue  flowers.  They  are 
all  herbaceous,  with  strong  half  tuberous  roots,  requir- 
ing little  water  while  dormant,  and  a  liberal  supply 
when  growing. 

Ruellia.  There  are  a  few  species,  very  pretty  free 
flowering  plants,  of  easy  culture.  R.  formosa,  flowers 
long,  of  a  fine  scarlet  colour ;  plant  half  shrubby.  R. 
fulgida  has  bright  scarlet  flowers  on  axillary  long  stalk- 
ed fascicles.  R.  persicifolia,  with  unequal  leaves,  and 
light  blue  flowers,  is  now  called  R.  anisophylla ;  and 
the  true  one  has  oblong,  wavy,  leaves,  deeply  nerv- 
ed, petioles  long;  flowers  yellow,  sessile,  in  axillary 
and  terminale  heads,  stem  erect.  One  healthy  plant 
will  be  frequently  in  flower  from  January  to  June. 
This  species  ought  to  be  in  every  collection,  both  for 
its  beauty  of  flower  and  foliage. 

Rhdpis,  a  genus  of  palms,  that  will  grow  very  freely 
with  heat,  and  room  at  the  roots.  R.  flabelliformis  is 
an  erect  growing  palm,  with  a  spreading  head.  It  is  a 
native  of  China. 

Thunbergia,  a  genus  containing  six  climbing  plants, 
of  a  half  shrubby  nature.  Some  of  them  have  a  fra- 
grant odour.  T.  coccinea,  red;  T.  grandiflora,  blue  ;  T. 


252  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAY. 

fragmns,  sweet-scented ;  T.  aldta,  has  pretty  buff  and 
purple  flowers,  which  are  in  great  profusion.  We  are 
not  certain  but  the  latter  will  make  a  beautiful  annual 
in  the  Flower-garden.  It  seeds  freely,  and  from  the 
time  of  sowing  until  flowering  is  about  two  months,  if 
the  heat  is  brisk.  If  sown  in  May,  they  will  bloom  from 
July  until  killed  by  frost. 

Sdgus,  Sago-palm.  We  are  of  opinion  that  the  true 
palm  from  which  the  sago  of  the  shops  is  produced, 
has  not  been  introduced  into  our  collections.  It  is 
very  rare  in  the  most  extensive  collections  of  Europe, 
but  is  not  so  fine  as  the  one  we  have  under  the  Sago, 
which  is  placed  in  the  natural  order  of  Cycadece;  and 
Sagus  is  in  that  of  Palmce.  The  finest  of  this  genus 
is  S.  vinifera  and  S.  Rumphii.  They  grow  to  a  great 
height ;  even  in  artificial  cultivation  they  may  be  seen 
from  ten  to  twenty-five  feet.  We  have  not  introduced 
them  here  for  their  beauty,  but  to  prevent  error. 

Soldndra,  a  genus  of  four  species,  remarkable  for  the 
extraordinary  size  of  their  flowers,  and  are  considered 
beautiful.  S.  grandiflora  andS.  viridiflora  are  the  two  best. 
The  plants  will  bloom  best  if  they  are  restricted  in  pot 
room,  and  are  only  introduced  as  being  worthy  of  cul- 
tivation. If  they  are  repotted  once  in  two  or  three 
years,  it  is  sufficient,  except  where  the  plants  are  small 
and  want  encouragement. 

Strophdnthus,  a  small  genus  of  beautiful  tropical 
shrubs.  The  segments  of  the  corolla  are  curiously 
twisted  before  expansion.  S.  divergens  is  a  neat  spread- 
ing shrub,  with  yellow  flowers,  a  little  tinged  with  red; 
the  petals  are  about  four  inches  long,  undulate,  lanceo- 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  253 

late.  S.  dichotomus  is  rose  coloured,  corolla  funnel 
shaped.  The  plants  will  flower  freely  in  a  strong 
moist  heat.  Drain  the  pots  well. 

Siuietenia  (mahogany-tree),  the  wood  of  which  is  ce- 
lebrated in  cabinet-work.  S.  Mahogoni,  common.  This 
tree  varies  much  in  general  appearance  according  to 
soil  and  situation.  The  leaves  are  pinnated  in  four 
pairs ;  leaflets  ovate,  lanceolate ;  flowers  small,  white, 
in  axillary  panicles.  S.  fubrifuga,  leaves  pinnated,  in 
four  pairs ;  leaflets  elliptical ;  flowers  white,  in  termi- 
nale  panicles.  The  wood  of  the  last  is  the  most  durable 
of  any  in  the  East  Indies.  They  are  fine  plants,  and 
require  heat  and  pot  room  to  produce  flowers. 

Tecoma,  a  genus  of  plants  closely  allied  to  Bignbnia, 
and  are  free-flowering ;  several  of  them  much  esteem- 
ed. T.  mollis,  T.  digitdta,  and  T.  splendida,  are  the  most 
beautiful  of  those  that  belong  to  the  Hot-house.  They 
have  large  orange  coloured,  tubular,  inflated,  ringent 
flowers,  in  loose  panicles.  There  is  a  plant  known  in 
our  collections  as  Bigndnia  starts^  which  is  now  T.  stans; 
has  pinnated  leaves,  with  oblong,  lanceolate,  serrated, 
leaflets ;  flowers  in  simple  terminale,  raceme,  and  of 
a  yellow  colour,  and  sometimes  known  by  Ash-leaved 
Bignonia.  It  will  always  have  a  sickly  aspect,  if  not 
well  encouraged  in  light  rich  soil.  Drain  the  pots  well, 
as  much  moisture  disfigures  the  foliage. 

Tabern&montdnVi,  a  genus  of  little  beauty,  except  for 
one  or  two  species.  A  plant  known  in  some  collections 
as  N&rium  coronarium,  is  now,  and  properly,  T.  corona- 
ria.  The  variety,  flore  pleno,  is  the  one  most  deserving 
of  culture,  and  will  flower  profusely  from  May  to  August; 


254  HOT-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  [MAT. 

the  flowers  are  double  white,  fragrant,  and  divaricating. 
The  plant  will  lose  its  foliage  if  not  kept  in  a  strong 
heat ;  therefore  place  it  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  Hot- 
house. T.  densiflora  is  a  fine  species,  but  very  rare. 
Drain  all  the  plants  well,  and  keep  them  in  the  shade 
during  summer.  . 

Thrinax  parviflora,  is  a  fine  dwarf  palm  of  the  West 
Indies,  with  palmated  fronds,  plaited  with  stiff,  lanceo- 
late segments.  The  plant  is  of  easy  cultivation,  and 
will  grow  in  any  soil. 

Zdmia,  a  genus  of  plants  in  the  natural  order  of  Cy- 
cadece.  Several  species  of  them  are  admired.  Z.  media, 
Z.  furfurdcea,  Z.  tennis^  Z.  'integrifolia,  are  the  most 
showy  that  belong  to  the  Hot-house.  The  whole  genus 
is  frequently  kept  in  this  department.  They  are  all 
plants  of  a  slow  growth,  and  the  beauty  is  entirely  in 
the  pinnated  fronds,  with  from  ten  to  forty  pairs  of  leaf- 
lets. The  pots  must  be  well  drained. 

Those  genera  of  plants  which  we  have  enumerated 
under  the  head  of  repotting  in  this  or  next  month,  are 
composed  of  the  finest  Hot-house  plants  that  have 
come  under  our  observation.  There  are  perhaps  a 
few  of  them  that  are  not  to  be  found  in  the  United 
States,  or  even  on  our  continent ;  but  the  great  object, 
in  a  choice  collection  of  plants,  is  to  have  the  finest 
from  all  parts  of  the  known  world.  There  are  many 
plants  whose  nature  does  not  require  much  support 
from  soil,  which  is  frequently  observed  in  those  that  are 
mentioned.  And  there  are  many  hundreds  of  plants  de- 
sirable for  beauty,  ornament,  and  curiosity,  which  are 
not  specified,  our  limits  not  permitting  such  an  extend- 


MAY.]  HOT-HOUSE— BRINGING  OUT  PLANTS,  &c.  255 

ed  detail.  Those  whose  nature  agrees  better  with  re- 
potting at  other  periods,  shall  be  noticed,  especially 
those  that  are  in  the  collections  of  the  country.  We 
have  previously  observed,  that  plants  ought  not  to  be 
flooded  with  water  when  newly  potted,  as  it  saturates 
the  soil  before  the  roots  have  taken  hold  of  it ;  and 
that  the  best  draining  for  pots  is  small  gravel  or  pot- 
shreds  broken  fine.  We  wish  it  to  be  understood  that 
when  plants  are  repotted,  any  irregular  branch  or  shoot 
should  be  lopped  off,  that  cannot  be  tied  in  to  advan- 
tage. And  repotting  may  take  place  either  before  or 
after  the  plants  are  exposed  to  the  open  air,  according 
to  convenience. 


OF  BRINGING  OUT  THE  HOT-HOUSE  PLANTS. 

Where  the  Hot-house  is  very  crowded  with  plants, 
the  best  method  to  have  them  exposed  without  danger 
is,  to  take  out  those  of  the  hardiest  nature  first,  that 
have  no  tender  shoots  upon  them,  thereby  thinning  the 
house  gradually.  This  may  be  done  from  the  16th  to 
the  20th  of  the  month,  which  will  admit  of  a  free  cir- 
culation of  air  amongst  those  that  remain.  All  may 
be  exposed  from  the  24th  to  the  28th  of  the  month. 
This  is  a  general  rule,  though  in  some  seasons  there 
maybe  exceptions.  Having  previously  given  all  the 
air  possible  to  the  house,  that  no  sudden  transition 
take  place,  which  would  make  the  foliage  brown,  and 
otherwise  materially  injure  the  plants,  choose  calm 
days  for  the  removing  of  them. 

There  are  few  plants  while  in  pots  that  agree  with 


256  HOT-HOUSE—BRINGING  OUT  PLANTS,  &c.  [MAY. 

the  full  sun  upon  them;  or  if  the  plants  receive  the  sun, 
the  pots  and  roots  ought  not  The  best  situation  for 
them  is  on  the  north  side  of  a  fence,  wall,  house,  or 
other  building,  where  they  are  excluded  from  the  mid- 
day sun,  and  they  should  stand  on  boards  or  gravel, 
with  the  tallest  at  the  back,  firmly  tied  to  a  rail  or  some 
other  security,  to  prevent  them  from  being  overturned 
by  high  winds.  A  stage  erected,  where  it  is  practicar 
ble,  for  the  reception  of  the  smaller  plants,  and  they 
set  thinly  and  regularly  thereon,  is  preferable  to  crowd- 
ing them  with  the  taller  sorts.  And  it  may  be  desired 
to  have  some  of  the  plants  plunged  in  the  garden 
through  the  flower  borders.  Of  those  that  are  so 
treated,  the  pots  must  be  plunged  to  the  brim,  and  re- 
gularly turned  round  every  two  weeks,  to  prevent  the 
roots  from  running  into  the  earth.  If  the  roots  were 
allowed  to  do  so,  it  might  for  the  present  strengthen 
the  plant,  but  ultimately  would  prove  injurious. 

Where  a  sufficiency  of  shade  cannot  be  obtained,  it 
would  be  advisable  to  go  to  the  expense  of  a  very  thin 
awning,  that  would  not  exclude  the  light,  but  merely 
the  powerful  rays  of  the  sun,  attending  to  roll  it  up 
every  evening.  Plants  will  keep  in  beautiful  order  by 
the  above  method,  which  amply  repays  for  the  trouble 
or  expense.  Avoid  putting  plants  under  trees;  com- 
paratively few  thrive  in  such  situations. 

When  they  are  thus  all  exposed  to  the  open  air,  it 
will  be  very  Tittle  trouble  to  give  them  a  gentle  syring- 
ing every  evening  when  there  is  no  rain,  and  continue 
your  usual  examinations  for  insects :  when  they  appear 
resort  to  the  prescribed  remedies.  Green-Jty  will  not 


MAT.]  GREEN-HOUSE.  257 

affect  them,  but  perhaps  the  thrips.  Give  regular  sup- 
plies of  water  to  their  roots  every  evening,  and  some 
will  require  it  in  the  morning,  especially  small  pots. 


SUCCULENTS. 

These  plants  are  habituated  to  exposed  dry,  hot, 
situations  in  their  indigenous  state;  and  an  aspect, 
where  they  would  have  the  full  influence  of  the  sun, 
is  the  best,  giving  them  water  two  or  three  times  a 
week. 


MAY. 

About  the  first  of  the  month,  all  the  small  half  hardy 
plants  may  be  taken  out  of  the  green  house,  and  those 
that  are  left  will  be  more  benefited  by  a  freer  circula- 
tion of  air,  which  will  enure  them  to  exposure.  The 
Geraniums  ought  to  stand  perfectly  clear  of  other  plants, 
while  in  flower  and  growing,  or  they  will  be  much  drawn 
and  spindly. 

33 


258  GREEN-HOUSE— WATERING,  &c.  [MAY. 

^i^'fitois.- •»•$-.-?         /^hl&.^it-^s.r;     '  >^-'&&^t~^&z 
^air  WATERING. 

We  have  advanced  so  much  on  this  subject,  another 
observation  is  not  necessary ;  except  as  to  succulents, 
which  are  frequently  overvvatered  about  this  period. 
Before  they  begin  to  grow,  once  a  week  is  sufficient. 

OF  BRINGING  OUT  THE  GREEN-HOUSE  PLANTS. 

Those  trees  or  plants  of  Orange,  Lemon,  Myrtle,  Ne- 
rium,  &c.  that  were  headed  down  with  the  intention  of 
planting  them  into  the  garden,  to  renovate  their  growth, 
should  be  brought  out  and  planted  in  the  situations  in- 
tended for  them.  A  good  light  rich  soil  will  do  for  either, 
and  the  balls  of  earth  might  be  a  little  reduced,  that 
when  they  are  lifted  they  might  go  into  the  same  pot 
or  tub,  or  perhaps  a  less  one.  This  being  done,  the 
plants,  generally  in  a  calm  day  from  the  12th  to  the  18th 
of  the  month,  should  be  taken  out,  carrying  them  di- 
rectly to  a  situation  shaded  from  the  sun,  and  protected 
from  the  wind.  In  regard  to  a  situation  best  adapted 
for  them  during  summer,  see  Hot-house  this  month,which 
will  equally  apply  to  Green-house  plants,  except  Daphne 
odora,  Daphne  hybrida,  and  the  Green- house  spe- 
cies of  Coronilla,  which  must  be  shaded  from  every  ray 
of  the  sun,  and  even  from  dry  parching  winds.  All 
Primroses  and  Polyanthus  delight  in  shade.  The  reason 
of  so  many  plants  of  the  D.  odora*  dying  is  from  the 
effects  of  the  sun  and  water. 

*  On  examining  these  plants,  when  the  first  appearance  of  decay  affected  them, 
the  decayed  part  was  without  exception  at  the  surface  of  the  soil,  which  was  com- 


MAY.]  GREEN.HOUSE-REPOTTING  PLANTS.  259 

The  large  trees  may  be  fancifully  set  either  in  a 
spot  for  the  purpose,  or  through  the  garden.  Put 
bricks  or  pieces  of  wood  under  the  tubs  to  prevent 
them  from  rotting,  and  strew  a  little  litter  of  any  de- 
scription over  the  surface  of  the  soil  to  prevent  eva- 
poration, or  about  one  inch  of  well  decayed  manure, 
which  will  from  the  waterings  help  to  enrich  the  soil. 
A  liberal  supply  of  water  twice  or  three  times  a  week 
is  sufficient.  A  large  tree  will  take  at  one  time  from 
two  to  four  gallons.  We  make  this  observation,  for 
many  trees  evidently  have  too  limited  a  supply.  Con- 
tinue to  syringe  the  plants  through  the  dry  season  every 
evening,  or  at  least  three  times  per  week.  All  the  tall 
plants  must  be  tied  to  some  firm  support,  because  the 
squalls  of  wind  frequently  overturn  them,  and  do  much 
harm  by  breaking,  &c.  Keep  those  that  are  in  flower 
as  much  in  the  shade  as  will  preserve  them  from  the 
direct  influence  of  the  sun. 

REPOTTING  PLANTS. 

After  the  following  mentioned  plants,  or  any  assimi- 
lated to  them,  are  brought  out  of  the  house,  and  before 
they  are  put  in  their  respective  stations,  repot  them 
where  they  are  required  to  grow  well.  Aloes.  These 
plants  so  varied  in  character,  have  been  divided  into 
several  genera.  These  are  Gasteria,  Pachidendron, 

pletely  mortified,  while  the  top  and  roots  were  apparently  fresh.  This  led  us  to 
conclude  that  the  cause  was  the  effect  of  sun  and  water  on  the  stem.  We  have 
since  kept  the  earth  in  a  conical  form  round  the  stem,  thereby  throwing  the  water 
to  the  sides  of  the  pot,  and  kept  them  in  the  shade.  Previous  to  doing  this,  we 
had  quantities  died  every  year,  and  now  no  plants  thus  treated  die  with  us. 


260  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING  PLANTS,  &c.  [MAY. 

Riphidodendron,  Howdrthia,  and  Apicra.  Of  these  there 
are  above  two  hundred  species  and  varieties.  To  enter 
into  any  specific  detail,  would  be  beyond  our  limits ;  but 
the  catalogue  at  the  end  of  the  work  will  contain  the 
finest  species. 

Amaryllis.  This  is  a  genus  of  splendid  flowering  bulbs 
containing  about  eighty  species,  and  one  hundred  and 
forty  varieties.  They  are  natives  of  South  America, 
but  more  than  one  half  of  them  are  hybrids  grown  from 
seed  by  cultivators.  They  are  generally  kept  in  the 
Hot-house,  but  in  our  climate  will  do  perfectly  well  in 
the  Green-house ;  and  we  have  no  doubt  that  in  a  few 
years  many  of  them  will  be  so  acclimated,  as  to  keep 
as  garden  bulbs,  planting  about  the  end  of  April,  and 
lifting  them  in  October.  As  the  beauty  of  these  plants 
is  in  the  flowers,  it  will  be  proper  to  give  a  small  de- 
scription of  a  few  of  them.  A.  striatifdlia,  has  a  stripe 
of  pure  white  in  the  centre  of  each  leaf,  the  flowers  are 
purple  and  white,  an  esteemed  species.  A.  Johnsbni, 
the  flowers  are  a  deep  scarlet,  with  a  white  streak  in 
the  centre  of  each  petal,  four  bloom  on  a  stem  of  about 
two  feet,  each  flower  about  six  inches  diameter;  a  bulb 
well  established  has  two  stems.  A.  reglna,  Mexican 
Lily,  has  large  scarlet  pendant  flowers,  tube  of  the 
flower  fringed-like,  with  three  or  four  on  the  stem.  A. 
vittdta  is  an  admired  species  with  scarlet  flowers,  striped 
with  a  greenish  white.  There  are  two  or  three  varieties 
of  it;  corolla  campanulate,  three  or  four  on  the  stem,  about 
five  inches  diameter;  petals  a  little  undulate.  A.futgida, 
flower  scarlet,  large  tube  striped,  petals  acute,  two  flow- 
ers on  the  stem,  A.  aulica  is  one  of  the  most  magnificent, 


MAY.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING  PLANTS,  &c.  261 

has  four  flowers  about  seven  inches  diameter,  erect  on  a 
stem  about  two  and  a  half  feet  high ;  six  petals,  strongly 
united  to  the  capsule,  bottom  of  the  petals  green,  con- 
nect ed  with  spots  of  dark  crimson,  which  spread  into 
fine  transparent  red,  covered  with  rich  tints,  nerves  very 
perceptible,  anthers  bold.  It  is  called  crowned  Ama- 
ryllis. A.  psittdcina.  Parrot  Amaryllis,  is  scarlet  striped 
with  green,  two  flowers  on  the  stem,  each  about  five 
inches  diameter.  There  are  several  varieties  of  it ;  the 
best  that  we  have  seen  are  cowbergia  and  pulverulenta. 
A  bulb  known  in  our  collections  as  A.purpurea  is  Ballota 
purpurca,  has  beautiful  erect  scarlet  flowers,  three  or 
four  on  the  stem,  each  about  five  inches  in  diameter. 
There  are  three  varieties  of  it,  differing  only  in  habit. 
A.  longifblia  is  now  Cnnum  capense,  and  is  perfectly  hardy; 
flowers  pink,  inclining  to  white,  in  large  umbels,  leaves 
long,  glaucous,  and  is  a  desirable  garden  bulb. 

There  are  many  other  superb  Amaryllis,especially  the 
hybrid  sorts ;  from  Johnsoni  there  are  above  twenty  cul- 
tivated varieties;  fromformosa  above  twelve;  and  from 
Grifflni  about  ten,  all  of  them  esteemed.  Where  they 
have  been  kept  in  the  earth  in  which  they  were  grown 
last  year,  the  ball  ought  at  this  repotting  to  be  reduced ; 
when  the  bulbs  are  done  flowering,  they  ought  to  have 
little  water,  so  that  they  may  be  perfectly  ripened,  which 
will  cause  them  to  produce  their  flowers  more  freely. 

Araucdria.  This  noble  genus  contains  four  species, 
which  are  without  exception  the  handsomest  plants  we 
are  acquainted  with,  for  the  beauty  of  their  foliage,  and 
symmetry  of  their  growth,  that  belong  to  the  Green- 
house. A.  excelsa,  Norfolk  Island  Pine,  has  leaves  closely 


262  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING  PLANTS,  &c.  [MAY. 

imbricated  as  if  with  a  coat  of  mail,  and  are  imperish- 
able. A.  imbricata,  Chile  Pine,  is  one  of  the  grandest  of 
trees,  and  is  the  hardiest  of  the  genus ;  the  leaves  are 
also  closely  imbricated.  The  other  two  species  are 
rarely  seen  even  in  European  collections.  The  foliage 
of  either  of  the  species  will  adhere  to  the  wood  many 
years  after  the  plant  is  dead.  They  are  all  highly  valued, 
the  pots  must  be  well  drained;  for  if  the  plants  get  much 
water  while  dormant,  the  foliage  becomes  yellow,  and 
never  attains  its  beautiful  green  colour  again ;  other- 
wise they  are  easily  grown. 

Chamcerops.  There  are  about  seven  species  of  these 
palms :  four  of  them  belong  to  this  department,  and  are 
the  finest  of  those  that  will  keep  in  the  Green-house. 
They  all  have  large  palmated  fronds,  and  require  large 
pots  or  tubs  to  make  them  grow  freely,  and  are  tena- 
cious of  life  if  kept  from  frost. 

Gardenia.  This  is  an  esteemed  genus  of  plants,  espe- 
cially for  the  double  flowering  varieties,which  are  highly 
odoriferous,  and  have  an  evergreen  shining  foliage.  G. 
flbrida  fibre-plena.  Cape  Jasmine,  is  a  plant  universally 
known  in  our  collections,  and  trees  of  it  are  frequently 
seen  above  seven  feet  high  and  five  feet  in  diameter, 
blooming  from  June  to  October.  G.  rddicans,  dwarf 
Cape  Jasmine,  G.  longifblia,  and  G.  latifblia,  are  also  in 
several  collections,  but  not  so  generally  known;  the 
flowers  are  double,  and  all  equally  fragrant.  We  are 
inclined  to  think  they  are  only  varieties  of  G.  flbrida. 
Any  of  the  above  will  keep  in  the  coldest  part  of  the 
Green-house,  and  even  under  the  stage  is  a  good  situa- 
tion for  them,  where  the  house  is  otherwise  crowded 


MAY.]  GREEN-HOUSE— REPOTTING  PLANTS,  &c.  263 

during  winter.  They  must  be  sparingly  watered  from 
November  to  March.  Much  water  while  they  are  dor- 
mant, gives  the  foliage  a  sickly  tinge,  a  state  in  which 
they  are  too  frequently  seen.  G.  Rothmdnnia  and  G. 
Thunbergia  are  fine  plants,  but  flower  sparingly ;  the 
flowers  of  the  former  are  spotted,  and  are  most  fragrant 
during  night. 

Mesembrydnlhemum.  A  very  extensive  genus,  contain- 
ing upwards  of  four  hundred  and  fifty  species,  and  vari- 
eties, with  few  exceptions  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope.  They  are  all  singular,  many  of  them  beautiful, 
and  some  splendid ;  yet  they  have  never  been  popular 
plants  in  our  collections.  The  leaves  are  almost  of 
every  shape  and  form ;  their  habits  vary  in  appearance. 
Some  of  them  are  straggling,  others  insignificant,  and 
a  few  grotesque.  When  they  are  well  grown,  they 
flower  in  great  profusion ;  the  colours  are  brilliant,  and 
through  the  genus  are  found  of  every  shade ;  yellow  and 
white  are  most  prevalent.  Each  species  continues  a 
considerable  time  in  flower.  The  flowers  are  either 
solitary,  axillary,  extra  axillary,  but  most  frequently  ter- 
minale ;  leaves  mostly  opposite,  thick,  or  succulent,  and 
of  various  forms.  They  are  sometimes  kept  in  the 
Hot-house,  but  undoubtedly  the  Green-house  is  the  best 
situation  for  them.  They  must  not  get  water  above 
once  a  month  during  winter,  but  while  they  are  in  flower 
and  through  the  summer,  they  require  a  more  liberal 
supply,  and  they  seldom  need  to  be  repotted ;  once  in 
two  years  is  sufficient. 

Strelitzia,  a  most  superb  genus  of  evergreen  perennial 
plants.  They  are  greatly  esteemed  and  highly  valued 


264  GREEN-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING  PLANTS,  &c.         fM*Y. 

in  our  collections.  The  finest  flowering  species  are  S. 
regincz  and  S.  ovdta;  the  former  is  the  strongest  of  the 
two,  but  in  respect  to  the  beauty  of  their  flowers  there 
is  no  difference.  The  scape  arises  about  three  feetr 
headed  with  a  sheath  which  lies  horizontal  before  the 
flowers  burst  forth.  The  sheath  contains  three,  four, 
or  five  flowers,  according  to  the  strength  of  the  plants. 
These  arise  erect,  and  pass  in  a  few  days  to  the  bottom 
of  the  sheath,  the  one  before  the  other.  S.  humilis  is  an- 
other fine  species,  but  the  most  rare  are  S.  agusta^ 
which  has  a  leaf  nearly  like  the  plantain ;  S.  juncea,  S. 
parvifblia,  and  S.farinoso.  The  flowers  of  all  these  are 
yellow  and  blue,  except  those  of  S.  agusta,  which  are 
white,  and  it  flowers  sparingly.  A  few  species  of  these 
plants  ought  to  be  in  every  Green-house :  they  are  vul- 
garly called  Queen  plant.  While  in  flower  they  should 
be  liberally  supplied  with  water,  but  while  dormant 
very  sparingly.  They  will  suffer  sooner  from  the  ef- 
fects of  too  much,  than  too  little  water.  The  roots  are 
strong  tubers,  and  require  plenty  of  pot  room,  and  will 
thrive  exceedingly  where  they  can  be  planted  in  the 
soil. 

CAMELLIAS. 

These  plants,  when  they  are  brought  from  the  Green- 
house, ought  to  be  set  in  a  situation  by  themselves, 
that  they  maybe  the  more  strictly  attended  to  in  water- 
ing and  syringing.  An  airy  situation  where  the  sun  has 
no  effect  upon  them  is  the  best.  They  should  be  sy- 
ringed every  evening  when  there  has  been  no  rain 


MAY.]  FLOWER-GARDEN.  265 

through  the  day.  After  heavy  rains  examine  the  pots, 
and  where  water  is  found,  turn  the  plant  on  its  side 
for  a  few  hours  to  let  the  water  pass  off,  and  then  exa- 
mine the  draining  in  the  bottom  of  the  pots,  which  must 
be  defective. 


CAPE  BULBS. 

As  soon  as  these  are  done  flowering,  and  the  foliage 
begins  to  decay,  cease  watering,  and  turn  the  pots  on 
their  sides,  until  the  soil  is  perfectly  dry;  then  take  out 
the  bulbs  and  preserve  them  dry  until  the  time  of  plant- 
ing, which  will  be  about  the  end  of  August  or  first  of 
September. 


MAY. 

It  is  highly  desirable  to  have  all  the  scientific  opera- 
tions as  much  advanced  in  the  beginning  of  this  month 
as  is  practicable,  that  at  all  times  immediate  attention 
may  be  given  to  the  destroying  of  weeds  wherever  they 
appear. 

34 


266  FLOWER-GARDEN— ANNUALS,  &c.  [MAT. 


ANNUALS,  HARDY  AND  TENDER. 

By  the  first  of  the  month  finish  sowing  all  hardy  An- 
nuals and  Biennials;  and  about  the  middle  of  the 
month  all  those  that  are  tropical.  The  weather  being 
now  warm,  they  will  vegetate  in  a  few  days  or  weeks. 
Attend  to  thinning  of  those  that  are  too  thick,  giving 
gentle  waterings  to  such  as  are  weak  in  dry  weather. 
Those  that  have  been  protected  in  frames  should  be 
fully  exposed  therein  night  and  day ;  take  the  first  op- 
portunity of  damp  cloudy  days  to  have  them  transplant- 
ed into  the  borders  or  beds,  after  the  10th,  lifting  them 
out  of  the  frame  with  as  much  earth  as  will  adhere  to 
their  roots. 

* 

CARE  OF  HYACINTHS,  TULIPS,  &c. 

For  the  treatment  of  these  while  in  bloom,  see  last 
month.  The  best  time  to  take  them  out  of  the  ground 
is  about  five  weeks  after  they  are  done  flowering,  or 
when  the  stem  appears,  what  may  be  termed  half  de- 
cayed. The  best  method  to  dry  them  is  to  place  the 
roots  in  rows,  with  bulb  to  bulb,  the  stems  laying  north 
and  south,  or  east  or  west.  Give  the  bulbs  a  very  thin 
covering  of  earth,  merely  to  exclude  the  sun,  so  that 
they  may  not  dry  too  rapidly,  being  thereby  liable  to 
become  soft.  When  they  have  thoroughly  dried  in 
this  situation,  which  will  be  in  eight  or  ten  days  in  dry 
weather,  (and  if  it  rains  cover  them  with  boards,)  take 
them  to  an  airy  dry  loft  or  shade,  clearing  off  the  fibres 


MAY.]  FLOWER-GARDEN—ANEMONES,  &c. -Ul  36? 

or  stems,  and  in  a  few  weeks  put  them  in  close  drawers, 
or  cover  them  with  sand  perfectly  dry,  until  the  time  of 
planting,  for  which  see  October. 

It  is  not  advisable  to  allow  any  of  the  bulbs  of  either 
Hyacinths  or  Tulips  to  seed,  as  it  retards  their  ripen- 
ing, and  weakens  the  root,  except  where  there  are  a 
few  desired  for  new  varieties.  The  small  offsets  must 
be  carefully  kept  in  dry  sand,  or  immediately  planted. 

!'*"     :'.>#;^ :;%••>  ••  '•  o1  < 

ANEMONES  AND  RANUNCULUS. 

These  while  in  bloom  should  be  carefully  shaded 
from  the  sun  by  hoops  and  thin  canvass,  or  an  erect 
temporary  awning;  and  as  soon  as  they  are  done 
flowering,  they  must  be  fully  exposed,  and  the  waterings 
given  up. 


DAHLIAS,  TUBEROSES,  AND  AMARYLLIS, 

That  are  not  planted,  should  now  be  done.  For  full 
directions  see  last  month.  In  many  seasons,  any  time 
before  the  twelfth  is  quite  soon  enough ;  but  nothing 
ought  to  be  delayed  when  the  season  will  permit  it  to  be 
done.  It  is  necessary  to  have  them  properly  labeled. 

AURICULAS,  POLYANTHUS,  AND  PRIMROSES. 

They  will  now  be  done  flowering,  but  still  must  be 
carefully  kept  in  a  cool,  shady  situation,  and  all  decay- 
ed leaves  cut  off  as  soon  as  they  appear.  Examine 
them  carefully  and  frequently,  in  case  slugs  of  any  de- 


»••••  r 

f- 


268  FLOWER  GARDEN— DOUBLE  WALL-FLOWERS.       [M*Y. 

scription  be  preying  upon  them.  A  dusting  of  hot  lime 
will  kill  them,  or  they  may  be  otherwise  destroyed. 
Some  have  recommended  to  repot  and  slip  those  plants 
when  done  flowering,  "  or  they  will  contract  a  destruc- 
tive disease ;"  which  disease  is  a  loss  of  verdure,  and  is 
induced  by  too  much  heat  and  drought,  and  a  few  other 
causes  from  inattention ;  but  if  attended  to  as  above 
until  September,  when  they  should  be  fresh  potted,  they 
will  have  time  to  be  sufficiently  established  before  win- 
ter, which  is  the  most  judicious  time  to  take  off  slips, 
for  two  reasons,  viz. — they  do  not  need  so  much  nur- 
sing through  the  most  precarious  season  of  the  year 
(summer)  for  these  plants,  and  they  begin  to  grow, 
and  will  root  afresh  sooner. 


DOUBLE  WALL-FLOWERS. 

As  these  are  very  seldom  grown  from  seed,  and  are 
semi-biennials,  art  has  to  be  used  to  preserve  or  renew 
them.  About  the  end  of  this  month  take  shoots  of  this 
year  about  three  inches  long,  cutting  them  carefully 
off,  and  smoothing  the  cut  end  with  a  sharp  knife  ; 
from  this  cut  the  lower  leaves  off  about  one  inch  and 
a  half,  and  then  put  it  in  the  ground  ;  choose  a 
very  shady  spot,  mixing  the  soil  with  a  little  sand  and 
earth  of  decayed  leaves.  Sprinkle  them  three  times  a 
day  until  they  have  taken  root,  which  will  be  in  a  few 
weeks.  Keep  the  cuttings  about  four  inches  apart. 


-oh  ynu  lo  Q 


MAY.]  ROOMS.  269 


* 
* 


GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

~ 


We  do  not  consider  that  it  is  essential  every  month 
to  repeat  the  necessity  of  tying  up  plants,  saving  seeds 
when  ripe,  cutting  down  weeds,  raking,  &c.  with  many 
other  similar  observations.  We  have  already  been  full 
on  these  subjects,  and  expect  these  to  be  remembered 
through  the  season.  Particular  care,  however,  is  re- 
quired to  carnations,  pinks,  or  any  plants  that  have  heavy 
heads  and  slender  stems.  If  carnations  are  desired  to 
flower  strongly,  cut  off  all  the  buds  except  three,  leav- 
ing the  uppermost  and  any  other  two  of  the  largest. 
All  climbing  plants  should  have  timely  support,  and 
tied  securely  every  week  while  they  are  growing. 


ftoonui* 


MAY. 


All  the  plants  will  be  able  to  withstand  exposure,  in 
the  general  state  of  the  seasons,  about  the  JOth  of  the 
month.  Begin  about  the  first  to  take  out  the  hardiest, 
such  as  Laurestinus,  Hydrangeas,  Roses,  Primroses,  Poly- 
anthus, &c.  and  thus  allow  the  others  to  stand  more 
free,  and  become  hardened  to  exposure.  The  reason 
that  plants  are  so  often  seen  brown,  stunted,  and  almost 


270  ROOMS— CAPE  BULBS.    —  [MAY. 

half  dead,  is  from  the  exposed  situation  they  are  placed 
in,  with  the  direct  sun  upon  them,  and  too  frequently  from 
being  so  sparingly  watered.  There  are  no  shrubby 
plants  cultivated  in  pots  that  are  benefited  by  the  hot  sun 

-  from  this  period  to  October.  A  north  aspect  is  the 
best  for  every  plant,  except  Cactus,  Aloe,  Mesembryanthe- 
mum,  and  such  as  go  under  the  name  of  succulents. 
Where  there  are  only  a  few,  they  should  be  convenient- 

^  ly  placed,  to  allow  water  from  a  pot  with  a  rose  mouth 
to  be  poured  frequently  over  them,  which  is  the  best  sub- 
stitute for  the  syringe.  Daphne,  Coronilla,  Fuchsia,  Camel- 
lia, Primrose,  and  Polyanthus,  do  not  agree  with  a  single 
ray  of  the  sun,  through  the  summer.  There  has  been  a 
general  question  what  is  the  cause  of  the  death  of  so 
many  of  the  Daphne  odora.  It  may  be  observed,  that 
the  first  place  that  shows  symptoms  of  decay,  is  at  the 
surface  of  the  soil,  and  this  takes  place  a  few  weeks 
before  there  are  evident  effects  of  it.  The  cause  is 
from  the  effect  of  heat  or  sun  and  water  acting  on  the 
stem  at  least.  If  the  soil  is  drawn  in  the  form  of  a 
cone  round  the  stem,  to  throw  off  the  water  to  the 
edges  of  the  pot,  that  the  stem  may  be  dry  above  the 
roots,  mortification  does  not  take  place,  neither  do 
they  die  prematurely,  when  thus  treated.  For  further 
remarks,  see  Green-house,  this  month. 


CAPE  BULBS. 

Any  of  these  that  are  done  flowering,  such  as  Ixia, 
Oxalis,  Lachenalia,  &c.  as  soon  as  the  foliage  begins  to 
decay,  turn  the  pots  on  their  sides,  which  will  ripen  the 


MAT.]  ROOMS— OF  REPOTTING,  &c.  271 

roots,  and  when  perfectly  dry,  clear  them  off  the  soil, 
wrap  them  up  in  paper,  with  their  names  attached,  and 
put  them  carefully  aside  until  the  time  of  planting. 


REPOTTING. 


Where  it  is  required,  repot  Cactus,  Ake,  Mesembry- 
anthemumsi  and  all  other  succulents,  with  any  of  the 
Amaryllis  that  are  required  to  be  kept  in  pots,  also  Cape 
Jasmines.  For  description  of  the  above,  see  Hot- 
house and  Green-house  of  this  month,  under  the  same 
head. 


,      •    ';..-. 


272 


As  the  plants  of  the  Hot-house  are  all  exposed  to 
the  open  air,  the  directions  will  include  both  months. 
If  the  repotting  is  over,  as  recommended  last  month, 
all  the  attention  they  will  require  until  the  end  of  Au- 
gust, is  the  administering  of  water  at  the  roots,  and  by 
the  syringe  over  head.  It  will  be  impossible  to  say 
how  great  are  their  wants,  that  depending  entirely  upon 
the  nature  of  the  plant,  the  situation,  and  the  season  ; 
but  never  neglect  to  look  over  them  every  evening,  and 
after  very  dry  nights  they  will  need  a  fresh  supply  in 
the  morning,  observing  to  give  to  none  except  they  are 
becoming  a  little  dry.  Make  weekly  examinations  for 
insects  of  any  description,  and  when  they  appear,  have 
them  instantly  destroyed. 

Always  after  heavy  rains  look  over  the  pots,  in  case 
water  should  be  standing  in  them,  which  would  injure 
the  roots.  Where  any  is  found,  turn  the  pot  on  its 
side,  and  in  a  few  hours  examine  the  draining  which  is 
defective;  small  pots  in  continued  rains  should  be  turn- 
ed likewise. 

Tie  up  all  plants  and  shoots  to  prevent  them  from 
being  destroyed  by  the  wind,  and  be  attentive  to  pick 
all  weeds  from  the  pots.  Turn  round  all  the  plants  oc- 
casionally, to  prevent  them  from  being  drawn  to  one 
side  by  the  sun  or  light. 


>"      273 


*  ~~tr~ 


The  plants  being  out  of  the  house,  there  need  be  lit- 
tle added  under  this  head.  Their  treatment  is  in  the 
general,  and  the  required  attention  is  in  giving  water 
according  to  their  different  constitutions  and  habits. 
Where  there  are  not  rain  or  river  water,  it  should  stand 
at  least  one  day  in  butts  or  cisterns,  to  take  the  chilly 
air  from  it,  and  become  softened  by  the  surrounding 
atmosphere.  This  is  more  essential  to  the  health  of 
the  plants  than  is  generally  supposed.  The  small  plants 
in  dry  weather  will  need  water  evening  and  morning. 
Continue  regular  syringings  as  directed  last  month. 
There  are  frequently  rains  continuing  for  several  days, 
which  will  materially  injure  many  plants,  if  they  are  not 
turned  on  their  sides  until  the  rain  is  over,  especially 
small  plants.  The  syringings  should  never  be  done 
till  after  the  waterings  at  the  .roots,  and  they  should 
never  be  seldomer  than  every  alternate  evening.  Turn 
all  the  plants  frequently  to  prevent  them  from  being 
drawn  to  one  side  by  the  sun  or  light.  Carefully  look 
over  them  at  these  turnings,  to  detect  any  insects.  And 
observe  that  the  tuberose  rooted  geraniums,  such  as 
Ardens,  Bicolor,  Tristum,  &c.  are  not  getting  too  much 
water,  they  being  now  dormant. 

35 


274 


JUNE  AND  JVLY. 

1  « 

_  ,-        f 

HOLLAND  BULBS. 


The  lifting  of  these  will  be  general  in  June.  For  di- 
rections see  May.  It  is  not  advisable  to  take  up  Jon- 
quils, Fritillaria,  Crocus,  and  7m,  oftener  than  every 
alternate  year  ;  Jonquils  may  stand  three  years.  Ane- 
mones and  Ranunculus  should  be  carefully  lifted  after  their 
leaves  begin  to  fade.  Do  not  expose  them  to  the  sun, 
but  cover  slightly  with  earth  or  sand  until  they  are 
perfectly  dry,  when  they  may  be  sifted  out  of  the  earth, 
and  put  into  drawers  carefully  labeled.  Some  recom- 
mend to  soak  these  roots  in  soap-suds,  to  destroy  a 
worm  that  they  are  frequently  attacked  with.  We 
know  not  how  far  this  may  be  carried,  nor  the  good  or 
bad  effects,  never  having  practised  it. 

AUTUMN  FLOWERING  BULBS.  ^  V 

These  are  Amaryllis  lutea,  now  called  Sternbergia  lutea; 
A.  Belladonna,  now  Belladonna  purpurdscens  ;  and  Nerine 
sarniensis.  This  is  a  beautiful  flowering  bulb,  and  re- 
quires the  protection  of  a  frame  during  winter.  The 
old  bulb  seldom  flowers  oftener  than  two  succeeding 
years,  and  then  decays,  but  the  off-sets  will  flower  the 


JUNE  AND  JULY.]      FLOWER  GARDEN— CARNATIONS,  &c.  275 

second  year ;  therefore  when  the  old  bulbs  are  lifted, 
they  ought  to  be  immediately  planted,  and  receive  every 
encouragement  to  strengthen  them  for  flowering. 
Crocus  satlvus,  C.  Pallasii,  C.  scrotlnus,  and  C.  nudiflorus, 
and  all  the  species  of  Colchicum,  with  species  of  several 
other  genera  not  introduced  into  the  country.  They 
should  all  be  lifted  as  soon  as  the  foliage  is  decayed, 
and  kept  only  a  few  weeks  out  of  the  ground,  and  then 
again  replanted  in  fresh  soil.  The  economy  of  the 
genus  Colchicum  in  regard  to  its  bulbs,  flowers,  and  seeds, 
is  altogether  singular,  and  may  be  termed  an  anomaly 
of  nature.  In  producing  the  new  bulbs  or  off-sets  in  a 
very  curious  manner,  the  old  one  perishes.  The  flowers 
which  arise  with  long  slender  tubes  from  the  root  die 
off  in  October,  without  leaving  any  external  appearance 
of  seeds.  These  lie  buried  all  the  winter  within  the 
bulb,  in  spring  they  grow  upon  a  fruit  stalk,  and  are 
ripe  about  the  first  of  June.  How  beautiful  and  admi- 
rable is  this  provision!  The  plant  blooming  so  late  in 
the  year,  would  not  have  time  to  mature  its  seeds  be- 
fore winter ;  and  is,  therefore,  so  contrived  that  it  may 
be  performed  out  of  the  reach  of  the  usual  effects  of 
frost,  and  they  are  brought  above  the  surface  when 
perfected,  and  at  a  proper  season  for  sowing. 

CARNATIONS  AND  PINKS. 

In  order  to  make  the  former  flower  well,  if  the  wea- 
ther is  dry,  give  them  frequent  waterings  at  the  root, 
and  tie  them  up  neatly  to  their  rods.  The  criterion  of 
a  fine  carnation  is — the  stem  strong  and  straight,  from 


276  FLOWER  GARDEN—  CARNATIONS,  &c.     [JUNE  AND  JULY, 

thirty  to  forty  inches  high,  the  corolla  three  inches  dia- 
meter, consisting  of  large  round  well  formed  petals,  but 
not  so  many  as  to  crowd  it,  nor  so  few  as  to  make  it 
appear  thin  or  empty;  the  outside  petals  should  rise 
above  the  calyx  about  half  an  inch,  and  then  turn  off 
in  a  horizontal  direction,  to  support  the  interior  petals, 
they  forming  nearly  a  hemispherical  corolla.  The  inte- 
rior petals  should  decrease  in  size  toward  the  centre, 
all  regularly  disposed  on  every  side  ;  they  should  have 
a  small  degree  of  concavity  at  the  lamina  or  broad  end, 
the  edges  perfectly  entire.  The  calyx  above  one  inch 
in  length,  with  strong  broad  points  in  a  close  and  cir- 
cular body.  The  colours  must  be  perfectly  distinct, 
disposed  in  regular  long  stripes,  broadest  at  the  edge 
of  the  lamina,  and  gradually  becoming  narrower  as  they 
approach  the  unguis  or  base  of  the  petal,  there  termin- 
ating in  a  fine  point.  Those  that  contain  two  colours 
upon  a  white  ground  are  esteemed  the  finest. 

Of  a  double  pink  —  the  stem  about  twelve  inches,  the 
calyx  smaller  but  similar  to  a  carnation  ;  the  flowers 
two  inches  and  a  half  in  diameter  ;  petals  rose  edges  ; 
colour  white,  and  pure  purple,  or  rich  crimson  ;  the 
nearer  it  approaches  to  black  it  is  the  more  esteemed  ; 
proportions  equal  as  in  carnation.  Those  that  are  very 
tasteful  with  these  flowers  are  attentive  to  the  manner  of 
their  opening.  Where  the  calyx  is  deficient  in  regular 
expansion  to  display  the  petals  ;  that  is,  where  there  is 
a  tendency  to  burst  open  on  one  side  more  than  on 
the  other,  the  opposite  side  in  two  or  three  different 
indentions  should  be  slit  a  little  at  several  times  with 
the  point  of  a  small  sharp  knife,  taking  care  not  to  cut 


'.•*.:.  •  V.        •;,•.••; 


JUNE  AND  JULY.]        FLOWER  GARDEN— CARNATIONS,  &c.  277 

the  petals,  and  about  the  centre  of  the  calyx  tie  a  thread 
three  or  four  times  round  to  prevent  any  farther  irre- 
gularity. Some  florists  and  connoisseurs  place  cards 
on  them.  This  is  done  when  the  calyx  is  small.  Take 
a  piece  of  thin  pasteboard,  about  the  size  of  a  dollar; 
cut  a  small  aperture  in  its  centre  to  admit  the  bud  to 
pass  through.  When  on  tie  it  tight  to  the  rod,  to  pre- 
vent the  wind  from  blowing  it  about ;  and  when  the 
flower  is  expanded,  draw  up  the  card  to  about  the  mid- 
dle of  the  calyx,  and  spread  the  petals  one  over  the  other 
regularly  upon  it.  When  these  plants  are  in  flower, 
their  beauty  may  be  prolonged  by  giving  them  a  little 
shade  from  the  mid-day  sun  by  an  awning  of  any  simple 
description.  Where  they  are  in  pots,  they  can  be  re- 
moved to  a  cool  shady  situation,  (but  not  directly  un- 
der trees.) 

OF  LAYING  CARNATIONS  AND  PINKS. 

This  is  a  necessary  and  yearly  operation  to  keep  a 
supply  of  plants,  and  likewise  to  have  them  always  in 
perfection.  As  the  process  of  laying,  though  simple,  may 
not  be  known  to  all  who  are  desirous  of  cultivating 
these  plants,  we  will  give  an  outline  of  the  mode  of 
operation.  Provide  first  a  quantity  of  small  hooked 
twigs  (pieces  of  Asparagus  stems  are  very  suitable) 
about  three  inches  long,  for  pegging  the  layers  down  in 
the  earth.  Select  the  outward  strongest  and  lowest 
shoots  that  are  round  the  plant,  trim  off  a  few  of  the 
under  leaves,  and  shorten  with  the  knife  the  top  ones 
even,  and  then  applying  it  at  a  joint  about  the  middle 


278  FLOWER  GARDEN— PRUNING  ROSES.      [Jura  AND  JULY. 

of  the  under-side  of  the  shoot,  cut  about  half  through 
in  a  slanting  direction,  making  an  upward  slit  towards 
the  next  joint,  near  an  inch  in  extent;  and  loosening 
the  earth,  make  a  small  oblong  cavity  one  or  two  in- 
ches deep,  putting  a  little  fresh  light  earth  therein.  Lay 
the  stem  part  where  the  slit  is  made  into  the  earth, 
keeping  the  cut  part  open,  and  the  head  of  the  layer 
upright  one  or  two  inches  out  of  the  earth ;  and  in  that 
position  peg  down  the  layer  with  one  of  the  hooked 
twigs,  and  cover  the  inserted  part  to  the  depth  of  one 
inch  with  some  of  the  fresh  earth,  pressing  it  gently 
down.  In  this  manner  proceed  to  lay  all  the  proper 
shoots  of  each  plant.  Keep  the  earth  a  little  full  round 
the  plant,  to  retain  longer  the  water  that  may  be  ap- 
plied. Give  immediately  a  moderate  watering,  with 
a  rose  watering  pot,  and  in  dry  weather  give  light  water- 
ings every  evening.  Choose  a  cloudy  day  for  the  above 
operation.  In  about  two  months  they  will  be  well 
rooted, 

PRUNING  ROSES. 

The  best  time  to  prune  what  are  termed  "  Garden 
roses"  is  immediately  after  flowering,  which  is  gener- 
ally about  the  middle  of  June.  Cut  out  all  old  exhaust- 
ed wood,  and  where  it  is  too  thick  and  crowded,  short- 
ening those  shoots  which  have  flowered  to  a  good  fresh 
strong  eye,  or  bud,  accompanied  with  a  healthy  leaf, 
but  leaving  untouched  such  shoots  as  are  still  in  a  grow- 
ing state,  except  where  they  are  becoming  irregular. 
Such  should  be  cut  to  the  desired  shape.  There  is  not 
a  better  period  of  the  year  for  puting  these  bushes  in 


JUNE  AND  JULY.]     FLOWER  GARDEN— BUDDING  ROSES.  279 

handsome  order,  which  ought  to  be  studied.  All  wood 
that  grows  after  this  pruning  will  ripen  perfectly  and 
produce  fine  flowers  next  year. 

Our  reasons  for  doing  so  at  this  period  are  these: 
The  points  of  the  shoots  of  the  more  delicate  sorts  of 
roses  are  very  apt  to  die  when  pruned  in  winter  or 
spring;  hence  the  consequences  of  this  evil  are  avoid- 
ed. The  stronger  the  wood  of  roses  is  made  to  grow, 
the  flowers  will  be  the  larger  and  more  profuse,  and 
this  effect  is  but  produced  by  cutting  out  the  old  and 
superfluous  wood;  at  least  it  prevents  any  loss  of  vege- 
tative power,  which  ought  always  to  be  considered. 

OF  BUDDING  OR  INOCULATION  OF  ROSES. 

According  to  what  we  have  previously  hinted  in  re- 
gard to  having  roses  as  standards,  where  such  are  de- 
sired, the  month  of  July  is  a  proper  time  for  the  opera- 
tion of  budding.  The  kinds  to  be  taken  for  stocks  should 
be  of  a  strong  free  growth.  Such  as  Ornamental  parade; 
Dutch  tree;  R.  vilosa;  R.  canina;  and  frequently  the  French 
Eglantine,  are  taken.  Be  provided  with  a  proper  bud- 
ding-knife, which  has  a  sharp  thin  blade  adapted  to 
prepare  the  bud,  with  a  tapering  ivory  haft  made  thin 
at  the  end  for  raising  the  bark  of  the  stock.  For  tieings 
use  bass  strings  from  Russia  mats,  which  should  be 
soaked  in  water  to  make  them  more  pliable.  The 
height  of  the  stock  or  stem  at  which  the  bud  is  to  be 
inserted,  is  to  be  determined  by  the  intended  destina- 
tion of  the  tree,  (as  it  may  be  properly  called.)  Choose 
a  smooth  part  of  the  stem,  from  one  to  three  years  old. 


280  FLOWER  GARDEN— OF  ROSES,  &c.  [JUNE  AND  JULY. 

Having  marked  the  place,  prune  away  all  the  lateral 
shoots  about  and  underneath  it.  With  the  knife  directed 
horizontally,  make  an  incision  about  half  an  inch  long 
in  the  bark  of  the  stock,  cutting  into  the  wood,  but  not 
deeper ;  then  applying  the  point  of  the  knife  to  the  mid- 
dle of  this  line,  make  a  perpendicular  incision  under 
the  first,  extending  from  it  between  one  and  two  inches. 
Having  a  healthy  shoot  of  the  growth  of  this  year  pro- 
vided of  the  kind  that  is  desired,  begin  at  the  lower  end 
of  this  shoot,  cut  away  all  the  leaves,  leaving  the  foot- 
stalk of  each.  Being  fixed  on  a  promising  bud,  insert 
the  knife  about  half  an  inch  above  the  eye,  slanting  it 
downwards,  and  about  half  through  the  shoot.  Draw  it 
out  about  an  inch  below  the  eye,  so  as  to  bring 
away  the  bud  unimpaired  with  the  bark,  and  part  of  the 
wood  adhering  to  it;  the  wood  now  must  be  carefully 
detached  from  the  bark.  To  do  this  insert  the  point  of 
the  knife  between  the  bark  and  wood  at  one  end,  and 
holding  the  bark  tenderly,  strip  off  the  woody  part, 
which  will  readily  part  from  the  bark  if  the  shoot  from 
which  the  piece  is  taken  has  been  properly  imbued  with 
sap.*  Look  at  the  inner  rind  of  the  separated  bark,  to 
seeif  that  be  entire;  if  there  be  a  hole  in  it,  the  eye  of  the 
bud  has  been  pulled  away  with  the  wood,  rendering  the 
bud  useless,  which  throw  away;  if  there  be  no  hole,  re- 
turn to  the  stock,  and  with  the  haft  of  the  knife  gently 
raise  the  bark  on  each  side  of  the  perpendicular  incision, 


*  We  once  budded  three  eyes  of  the  white  moss  rose,  after  they  had  by  mistake 
been  carried  in  the  pocket  of  a  coat  three  days.  The  shoot  was  soaked  six  hours 
in  water,  and  two  of  the  buds  grew.  From  this  we  infer  that  shoots,  if  properly 
wrapped  up,  may  be  carried  very  great  distances,  and  grow  successfully. 


JUNE  AND  JULY.]  FLOWER  GARDEN— OF  WATERING.  28 I 

opening  the  lips  wide  enough  to  admit  the  prepared 
slip  with  the  eye.  If  the  slip  is  longer  than  the  upright 
incision  in  the  stock,  reduce  the  largest  end.  Stock 
and  bud  being  ready,  keep  the  latter  in  its  natural  posi- 
tion, introduce  it  between  the  bark  and  wood  of  the 
stock,  pushing  it  gently  downwards  until  it  reaches  the 
bottom  of  the  perpendicular  incision.  Let  the  eye  of 
the  bud  project  through  the  centre  of  the  lips ;  lay  the 
slip  with  the  bud  as  smooth  as  possible,  and  press  down 
the  raised  bark  of  the  stock.  The  bud  being  deposited, 
bind  that  part  of  the  stock  moderately  tight  with  bass, 
beginning  a  little  below  the  incision,  proceeding  upward 
so  as  to  keep  the  eye  uncovered,  finishing  above  the  in- 
cision. In  a  month  after  the  operation,  examine  whether 
the  bud  has  united  with  the  stock.  If  it  has  succeeded, 
the  bud  will  be  full  and  fresh ;  if  not,  it  will  be  brown 
and  contracted.  When  it  has  taken,  untie  the  bandage, 
that  the  bud  may  swell,  and  in  a  few  days  afterwards  cut 
the  head  of  the  stock  off  about  six  inches  above  the  in- 
oculation, and  prevent  all  shoots  from  growing  by  pinch- 
ing them  off.  This  will  forward  the  bud,  which  will  push 
and  ripen  wood  this  season ;  but  it  must  be  carefully 
tied  as  it  grows  to  the  remaining  head  of  the  stock. 
Some  do  not  head  down  the  stock  until  the  following 
spring,  thereby  not  encouraging  the  bud  to  grow,  which 
if  winter  sets  in  early  is  the  safest  method. 

OF  WATERING. 

If  the  season  is  dry,  look  over  the  late  planted  shrubs, 
and  give  them  frequent  copious  waterings  ;  and  a  few 
36 


282  ROOMS.  [JUNE  AND  JULY. 

of  the  finest  annuals  that  are  wanted  to  flower  perfect- 
ly should  be  attended  to.  Dahlias  suffer  very  much  in 
dry  seasons,  therefore  it  is  advisable  to  water  the  most 
beautiful  (or  all)  of  them  two  or  three  times  per  week, 
and  be  careful  to  tie  up  their  shoots  to  any  support  that 
is  given  to  them,  in  case  of  high  winds  breaking  or 
otherwise  destroying  the  flower  stems. 


JUNE  AND  JULY. 

The  only  attention  requisite  to  these  plants,  is  in  giv- 
ing water,  keeping  them  from  being  much  exposed  to 
either  sun  or  high  winds,  and  preventing  the  attack  of 
insects.  Water  must  be  regularly  given  every  evening, 
when  there  has  not  been  rain  during  the  day.  Where 
they  are  in  a  growing  state,  they  are  not  liable  at  this 
season  of  the  year  to  suffer  from  too  much  water,  ex- 
cept in  a  few  intances,  such  as  the  Lemon-scented 
Geranium,  and  those  kinds  that  are  tuberose  rooted, 
as  Jlrdens,  Bicolor,  Tristum,  &c.  which  should  have 
moderate  supplies. 

All  the  plants  ought  to  be  turned  round  every  few 
weeks  to  prevent  them  from  growing  to  one  side,  by 
the  one  being  more  dark  than  the  other,  and  keep 


JUNE  AND  JULY.]  ROOMS.  283 

those  of  a  straggling  growth  tied  neatly  to  rods. 
Wherever  insects  of  any  description  appear,  wash  them 
off  directly.  Give  regular  syringings  or  sprinklings 
from  the  rose  of  a  watering  pot.  Be  particularly  at- 
tentive in  this  respect  to  the  Camellias,  which  will  keep 
the  foliage  in  a  healthy  state,  and  prevent  the  effects 
of  mildew. 

If  the  foliage  of  Lilium  longiflorum,  orjaponicum^  has 
died  down,  do  not  water  them  while  dormant,  as  they 
are  easily  injured  by  such  treatment. 


284 


&.     :,/..          .*-.T./ic  >0,V 

*  -^a*  • 


The  plants  of  the  Hot-house  that  were  repotted  in 
May  and  June,  according  to  the  directions  therein  given, 
will  at  present  be  in  an  excellent  state  of  health,  provided 
they  have  got  at  all  times  the  requisite  supplies  of  wa- 
tering. And  as  we  already  have  been  very  explicit  on 
that  subject,  more  remarks  now  would  be  merely  repe- 
tition. 

4 

REPOTTING. 

If  any  of  the  repottings  were  neglected,  during  May 
or  June,  let  it  be  done  about  the  first  of  this  month. 
Let  young  plants  that  are  growing  freely,  where  the 
roots  have  filled  the  pots,  and  the  plants  required  to 
grow,  have  pots  one  size  larger.  In  turning  out  the 
ball  of  earth,  keep  it  entire,  not  disturbing  any  of  the 
roots. 

OF  PAINTING,  REPAIRING,  AND  CLEANSING  THE  HOUSE. 

The  necessary  repairs  of  the  Hot-house  are  too  often 
put  off  to  the  last  day  or  week ;  and  then  with  hurry 
are  superficially  attended  to.  Previous  to  the  first  of 
September,  have  all  the  wood-work  painted ;  which 
ought  to  have  one  coat  every  year,  and  the  glass  all 


AUGUST.]       .  GREEN-HOUSE.  285 

repaired.  Have  the  flues  and  furnace  examined,  and 
all  rents  plastered  over,  or  any  deficiency  made  good. 
Give  the  flue  a  thick  coat  of  lime  white-wash,  and  pro- 
perly white-wash  the  whole  interior  stages  and  shelves 
to  destroy  any  larvae  of  insects ;  or,  what  is  preferable 
for  the  latter,  use  oil  paint.  If  there  is  a  tan  bed,  have 
that  renewed;  take  out  what  is  most  decayed,  and  add 
new  tan.  Wash  out  the  floor  perfectly  clean,  so  that 
all  may  be  in  readiness  for  the  plants  next  month. 


AUGUST. 

Any  of  the  Myrtles,  Oranges,  Lemons,  Okanders,  &c.  that 
were  headed  down  in  April  or  May,  will  be  pushing  many 
young  shoots.  The  plant  must  be  carefully  examined, 
to  observe  which  of  the  shoots  ought  to  be  left  to  form 
the  tree.  Having  determined  on  this,  cut  out  all  the 
others  close  to  the  stem  with  a  small  sharp  knife;  and  if 
the  remaining  shoots  are  above  one  foot  long,  pinch 
off  the  tops  to  make  them  branch  out. 

The  trees  that  were  entirely  headed  down,  should 
not  have  above  six  shoots  left,  which  will,  by  being 
topped,  make  a  sufficient  quantity  to  form  the  bush  or 
tree. 


286  GREEN-HOUSE—GERANIUMS.  *%        [AUGUST. 

•  * 


GERANIUMS. 

These  plants,  about  the  first  of  the  month,  require  a 
complete  dressing.  In  the  first  place  collect  them  all 
together,  and  with  a  sharp  knife  cut  off  the  wood  of 
this  year  to  within  a  few  eyes  of  the  wood  of  last  year. 
Citriodorum  and  its  varieties  do  not  need  pruning.  The 
plants  grown  from  cuttings  during  the  season,  that 
have  flowered,  cut  them  to  about  four  inches  from  the 
pot.  This  being  done,  have  the  earth  all  prepared 
with  potshreds  or  fine  gravel  for  draining  the  delicate 
kinds.  And  in  a  shaded  situation  turn  the  plants  pro- 
gressively out  of  the  pots  they  are  in,  reducing  the  balls 
of  earth  so  that  the  same  pots  may  contain  them  again, 
and  allow  from  half  an  inch  to  two  inches,  according 
to  the  size  of  the  pot,  of  fresh  soil  around  the  ball,  which 
press  down  by  a  thin  piece  of  wood  cut  for  the  purpose. 
Finish  by  leveling  all  neatly  with  the  hand.  Give  very 
gentle  waterings  from  a  pot  with  a  rose  mouth,  for  a 
few  weeks,  until  they  have  begun  to  grow,  protecting 
them  entirely  from  the  sun,  till  that  period,  then  take 
the  opportunity  of  a  cloudy  day  to  expose  them.  After 
this  repotting,  the  following  kinds  are  liable  to  suffer 
from  too  much  water :  Pavoninum,  Daveyanum,  fulgens, 
ardens,  citriodorum,  rubescens^Jlorabundum^  ardescens  ;  with 
those  of  a  similar  habit,  and  these  species  do  not  re- 
quire so  much  encouragement  at  the  root  as  the  strong 
growing  sorts.  The  tuberous  rooted  and  deciduous 
species  must  be  very  moderately  supplied.  Be  careful 
when  watering  that  the  new  soil  does  not  become  sa- 


AUGUST.]  GREEN-HOUSE— ORANGES,  &c.  287 

turated  with  water,  as,  though  allowed  to  dry  again,  it 
will  not  be  so  pure.  When  they  shoot  afresh,  turn 
them  regularly  every  two  weeks,  to  prevent  them  grow- 
ing to  one  side. 


ORANGES,  LEMONS,  &c. 

As  it  is  frequently  very  inconvenient  to  shift  these 
trees  into  larger  tubs  in  the  months  of  March  and  April, 
this  month  is  a  period  that  is  suitable  both  from  the 
growth  of  the  trees,  and  their  being  in  the  open  air.  It 
would  be  improper  to  state  the  day  or  the  week,  that 
depending  entirely  on  the  season.  The  criterion  is 
easily  observed,  which  is  when  the  first  growth  is  over, 
these  trees  making  another  growth  in  autumn.  When 
they  are  large,  they  require  great  exertion,  and  are  fre- 
quently attended  with  inconvenience  to  get  them  shift- 
ed. Where  there  is  a  quantity  of  them,  the  best  plan 
that  we  have  tried  or  seen  adopted  is  as  follows:  Have  a 
strong  double  and  a  single  block  trimmed  with  a  suffici- 
ency of  rope;  make  it  fast  to  the  limb  of  a  large  tree,  or 
any  thing  that  projects,  and  will  bear  the  weight,  and  as 
high  as  will  admit  of  the  plant  being  raised  a  few  feet 
under  it.  Take  a  soft  bandage  and  put  around  the 
stem,  to  prevent  the  bark  from  being  bruised ;  make 
a  rope  fast  to  it,  in  which  hook  the  single  block,  Raise 
the  plant  the  height  of  the  tub,  put  a  spar  across  the 
tub,  and  strike  on  the  spar  with  a  mallet,  which  will 
separate  the  tub  from  the  ball.  Then  with  a  strong 
pointed  stick  probe  a  little  of  the  earth  from  amongst 
the  roots,  observing  to  cut  away  any  that  are  affected 


288  GREEN-HOUSE—ORANGES,  &c.  [AUGUST. 

by  dry-rot,  damp,  or  mildew,  with  any  very  matted 
roots.  Having  all  dressed,  place  a  few  potshreds  over 
the  hole  or  holes  in  the  bottom  of  the  tub ;  measure 
exactly  the  depth  of  the  ball  that  remains  around  the 
plant,  and  fill  up  with  earth,  pressing  it  a  little  with  the 
hand,  until  it  will  hold  the  ball  one  inch  under  the  edge 
of  the  tub.  If  there  is  from  four  to  six  inches  of  earth 
under  it,  it  is  quite  enough.  Fill  all  around  the  ball, 
and  press  it  down  with  a  stick,  finishing  neatly  off  with 
the  hand.  Observe  that  the  stem  of  the  tree  is  exactly 
in  the  centre.  This  being  done,  carry  the  tree  to  where 
it  is  intended  to  stand,  and  give  it  water  with  a  rose  on 
the  pot.  The  earth  will  subside  about  two  inches, 
thus  leaving  three  inches,  which  will  at  any  time  hold 
enough  of  water  for  the  tree.  Trees  thus  treated  will 
not  require  to  be  shifted  again  within  four  or  five  years, 
having  in  the  interim  got  a  few  rich  top-dressings. 

Frequently  in  attempting  to  take  out  of  the  tubs  those 
that  are  in  a  sickly  state,  all  the  soil  falls  from  their 
roots,  having  no  fibres  attached.  When  there  are  any 
such,  after  replanting,  put  them  in  the  Green-house,  and 
shut  it  almost  close  up,  there  give  shade  to  the  tree, 
and  frequent  sprinklings  of  water,  until  it  begins  to  grow, 
when  admit  more  air  gradually  until  it  becomes  har- 
dened. These  trees  should  be  put  in  very  small  tubs, 
and  a  little  sand  added  to  the  soil.  Give  very  moderate 
supplies  of  water,  merely  keeping  the  soil  moist.  Tubs 
generally  give  way  at  the  bottom  when  they  begin  to 
decay,  and  in  the  usual  method  of  coopering  after  this 
failure  they  are  useless,  the  ledging  being  rotten,  and 
will  not  admit  of  another  bottom.  The  staves  should 


AUGUST.]        FLOWER  GARDEN— PRUNING  ORANGES,  &c.  289 

be  made  without  any  groove,  and  have  four  brackets 
nailed  on  the  inside,  having  the  bottom  in  a  piece  by 
itself  that  it  can  be  placed  on  these  brackets,  and  there 
is  no  necessity  of  it  being  water  tight.  Then  when  it 
fails,  it  can  be  replaced  again  at  a  trifling  expense.  A 
tub  made  this  way  will  last  out  three  or  four  bottoms, 
and  is  in  every  respect  the  cheapest,  and  should  be 
more  wide  than  deep.  Large  Myrtks  and  Oleanders  may 
be  treated  in  the  same  manner  as  directed  for  the 
above. 


OF  PRUNING  ORANGES,  LEMONS,  &c. 

These  trees  will  grow  very  irregularly,  especially  the 
Lemow,  if  not  frequently  dressed  or  pruned.  Any  time 
this  month  look  over  them  all  minutely,  and  cut  away 
any  of  the  small  naked  wood  where  it  is  too  crowded, 
and  cut  all  young  strong  straggling  shoots  to  the 
bounds  of  the  tree,  giving  it  a  round  regular  head.  It  is 
sometimes  necessary  to  cut  out  a  small  limb,  but  large 
amputations  should  be  avoided.  Cover  all  wounds 
with  turpentine  or  bees-wax,  to  prevent  the  bad  effects 
of  the  air. 

JL. 

OF  REPOTTING  PLANTS. 

Any  of  the  plants  enumerated  in  March  under  this 
head,  may  be  now  done  according  to  directions  therein 
given,  and  which  apply  to  all  sizes.  This  is  the  proper 
period  for  repotting  the  following : — 

Cdlla,  a  genus  of  four  species.  None  of  them  in  our 
37 


290  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING  PLANTS.  [AUGUST. 

collections,  and  in  fact  are  not  worth  cultivation,  except 
C.  cethiopica,  Ethiopian  Lily,  which  is  admired  for  the 
purity  and  singularity  of  its  large  white  flowers,  or  rather 
spatha,  which  is  cucullate,  leaves  sagittate.  It  is  now 
called  Richardia  cBthiopica.  The  roots  which  are  tubers 
should  be  entirely  divested  of  the  soil  they  have  been 
grown  in,  breaking  off  any  small  offsets,  and  potting 
them  wholly  in  fresh  earth.  When  growing  they  cannot 
get  too  much  water.  The  plant  will  grow  in  a  pond  of 
water,  and  withstand  our  severest  winters,  provided  the 
roots  are  kept  at  the  bottom  of  the  water. 

Cyclamen.     There  are  eight  species  and  six  varieties 
of  this  genus,  which  consists  of  humble  plants  with  very 
beautiful  flowers.     The  bulbs  are  round,  flattened,  and 
solid,  and  are  peculiarly  adapted  for  pots  and  the  de- 
corating of  rooms.     C.  cdww,   leaves   almost  round  ; 
flowers  light  red ;  in  bloom  from  January  to  April.     C. 
persicum,  with  its  four  varieties,  flower  from  February 
tq  April ;  colour  white,  and  some  white  and  purple. 
C.  hedercefdlium,  Ivy-leaved ;  colour  lilac;  there  is  a  white 
variety ;  flowers  from  July  to  September.   C.  Europceum, 
colour  lilac,  in  bloom  from  August  to  October.     C.  nea- 
politdnum,  flowers  red,  in  bloom  from  July  to  September. 
These  are  all    desirable  plants.     When  the  foliage 
begins  to  decay,  withhold  the  accustomed  supplies  of 
water,  keeping  them  in  a  half  dry  state;  and  when  grow- 
ing they  must  not  be  over  watered,  as  they  are  apt  to 
rot  from  moisture.     Keep  them  during  the  summer 
months  in  the  shade.    The  best  time  for  potting  ei- 
ther of  the  sorts  is  when  the  crown  of  the  bulb  begins 
to  protrude.    If  the  pots  are  becoming  large,  every 


AUGUST.]  GREEN-HOUSE—REPOTTING  PLANTS.  29  L 

alternate  year  they  may  be  cleared  from  the  old  soil, 
and  put  in  smaller  pots  with  the  crown  barely  covered. 
When  the  flowers  fade,  the  pedicles  twist  up  like  a 
screw,  inclosing  the  germen  in  the  centre,  lying  close 
to  the  ground  until  the  seeds  ripen,  from  which  plants 
can  be  grown,  and  will  flower  the  third  year. 

Lachendlia,  a  genus  of  about  forty  species  of  bulbs, 
all  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  grow  re- 
markably well  in  our  collections.  The  most  common 
is  L.  tricolor.  L.  quadricolor,  and  its  varieties,  are  all 
fine;  the  colours  yellow,  scarlet,  orange,  and  green, 
very  pure  and  distinct ;  L.  rubida.  L.  punctdta,  L.  orchoi- 
des,  and  L.  nervosa,  are  all  fine  species.  The  flowers 
are  on  a  stem  from  a  half  to  one  foot  high,  and  much  in 
the  character  of  a  hyacinth.  The  end  of  the  month  is 
about  the  time  of  planting.  Five  inch  pots  are  large 
enough,  and  they  must  get  very  little  water  till  they  be- 
gin to  grow. 

Oxalis,  above  one  hundred  species  of  Cape  bulbs, 
and  like  all  other  bulbs  of  that  country,  they  do  exceed- 
ingly well  in  our  collections,  in  which  there  are  only 
comparatively  a  few  species,  not  exceeding  twelve.  O. 
rubella,  branching,  of  a  vermilion  colour ;  O.  mafginata, 
white ;  O.  elongdta,  striped ;  and  O.  amcena,  are  those 
that  require  potting  this  month.  The  first  of  Septem- 
ber is  the  most  proper  period  for  the  others. 

This  genus  of  plants  is  so  varied  in  the  construction 
of  its  roots,  that  the  same  treatment  will  not  do  for  all. 
The  root  is  commonly  bulbous,  and  these  will  keep  a 
few  weeks  or  months  out  of  the  soil,  according  to  their 
size.  Several  are  only  thick  and  fleshy :  these  ought 


292        GREEN-HOUSE—GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS.  [AUGUST.** 

not  to  be  taken  out  of  the  pots,  but  kept  in  them,  while 
dormant ;  and  about  the  end  of  this  month  give  them 
gentle  waterings.  When  they  begin  to  grow,  take  the 
earth  from  the  roots,  and  pot  them  in  fresh  soil.  In  a 
few  years  the  bulbs  are  curiously  produced,  the  original 
bulb  near  the  surface  striking  a  radical  fibre  down- 
right from  its  base,  at  the  extremity  of  which  is  pro- 
duced a  new  bulb  for  the  next  year's  plant,  the  old  one 
perishing. 

Ornithogalum,  Star  of  Bethlehem,  about  sixty  spe- 
cies of  bulbs,  principally  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 
Many  of  them  have  little  attraction.  The  most  beau- 
tiful that  we  have  seen  are  O.  lacteum,  which  has  a 
spike  about  one  foot  long  of  fine  white  flowers ;  and  O. 
aurewn,  flowers  of  a  golden  colour,  in  contracted  race- 
mose corymbs.  These  two  are  magnificent.  O.  ma- 
ritimum  is  the  officinale  squill.  The  bulb  is  frequently 
as  large  as  a  human  head,  pear-shaped,  and  tunicated 
like  the  onion.  From  the  centre  of  the  root  arise  seve- 
ral shining  glaucous  leaves  a  foot  long,  two  inches 
broad  at  base,  and  narrowing  to  a  point.  They  are 
green  during  winter,  and  decay  in  the  spring ;  then  the 
flower-stalk  comes  out,  rising  two  feet,  naked  half  way, 
and  terminated  by  a  pyramidal  thyrse  of  white  flowers. 
The  bulb  ought  to  be  kept  dry  from  the  end  of  June 
till  now,  or  it  will  not  flower  freely. 

•# 

GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Watering,  and  other  practical  care  of  the  plants,  to 
be  done  as  heretofore  described.  Frequently  the 


AUGUST.]        FLOWER-GARDEN—EVERGREEN  HEDGES.  293 

weather  at  the  end  of  this  month  becomes  cool  and 
heavy.  Dew  falling  through  the  night  will  in  part  sup- 
ply the  syringing  operation,  but  it  must  not  be  suspend- 
ed altogether.  Three  times  a  week  will  suffice.  Any 
of  the  plants  that  are  plunged  should  be  turned  every 
week.  In  wet  weather  observe  that  none  are  suffering 
from  moisture. 


AUGUST. 


EVERGREEN  HEDGES. 


These  always  make  two  growths  in  the  season,  and 
the  best  time  to  perform  the  clipping  or  dressing  of 
them  is  before  the  plants  begin  their  second  growth. 
Choose  if  possible  dull  and  cloudy  days  for  the  opera- 
tion. The  general  practice  in  forming  these,  is  to  have 
the  sides  even,  and  the  top  level,  forming  a  right  angle 
on  each  side.  However  neat  in  appearance  this  may 
be  considered,  it  certainly  is  stiff  and  formal.  We 
never  approve  of  shearing  where  it  can  be  avoided, 
and  when  adopted,  nature  ought  to  be  imitated.  We 
consider  that  all  hedges  and  edgings  ought  to  be  nar- 
rowed at  the  top. 


294  FLOWER-GARDEN— CARNATIONS,  &c.  [AUGUST. 


CARNATIONS  AND  PINKS. 

If  layed  about  the  end  of  June,  and  been  properly 
attended,  they  will  by  the  end  of  this  month  be  well 
rotted  and  fit  for  transplanting.  Clear  away  the  earth 
lightly,  and  cut  them  clean  off  from  the  parent  plant, 
nearer  the  stool  than  the  original  slit.  Raise  them 
neatly  out  of  the  earth,  with  as  many  of  the  root-fibres 
as  possible ;  cut  off  the  naked  part  of  the  stem  close  to 
the  fibrous  roots,  and  trim  away  the  straggling  leaves. 
Plant  the  finest  sorts  in  four  inch  pots,  and  those  more 
common  three  plants  in  five  inch  pots,  in  the  form  of  a 
triangle,  which  can  be  separated  in  spring  to  plant  in 
the  garden.  Any  of  the  principal  stools  should  be  (if 
in  the  ground)  lifted  and  put  into  seven  inch  pots  to 
be  preserved:  the  others  may  be  allowed  to  stand 
through  the  winter,  covering  them  with  a  few  dry 
leaves.  Keep  them  in  the  shade  a  few  weeks,  when 
they  may  be  fully  exposed.  Give  gentle  and  frequent 
sprinklings  of  water  until  they  have  taken  fresh  root  ; 
or  if  in  want  of  pots,  mark  out  a  bed  that  can  be  cover- 
ed with  a  frame,  preparing  the  soil  therein  properly. 
Plant  them  from  four  to  six  inches  apart.  Shade  them 
from  the  sun  until  they  begin  to  grow,  giving  sprink- 
lings of  water  over  the  foliage  every  evening. 

•  •'.  •"'  ij   .;*-•  + 

BULBOUS  ROOTS. 

Look  over  the  bulbs  that  are  out  of  the  ground,  and 
examine  those  that  require  planting.  Fritilldria,  about 


AUGUST.]         [FLOWER-GARDEN— BULBOUS  ROOTS.  295 

twenty  species,  but  few  of  them  generally  cultivated, 
except  F.  imperialis.  Crown  Imperial ;  and  F.  persica. 
These  will  require  planting,  and  ought  not  to  be  lifted 
oftener  than  every  third  year.  There  are  four  or  five 
varieties  of  the  above,  showy  flowers,  and  singular  in 
appearance.  They  require  a  deep  rich  loamy  soil,  and 
if  in  beds,  plant  them  from  three  to  four  inches  deep, 
and  one  foot  apart.  They  will  grow  under  shade  of 
trees,  or  any  situation  where  the  soil  is  adapted  for 
them.  No  imbricated  or  scaly  bulb  ought  to  be  retain- 
ed long  out  of  the  ground.  When  any  of  these  are 
lifted,  and  the  young  bulbs  taken  off,  they  should  be 
planted  at  once.  See  particularly  on  bulbous  roots  in 
general  next  month. 


SOWING  SEEDS  OF  BULBOUS  ROOTS. 

•9 

Where  any  seeds  of  these  are  saved,  with  the  inten- 
tion of  sowing,  let  it  be  done  this  month.  Procure 
boxes  about  seven  inches  deep,  and  in  size  proportion- 
ed to  the  quantity  to  be  sown.  Put  five  inches  of  light 
sandy  soil  in  the  box,  level  it  smoothly,  and  sow  the 
seeds  separately  and  thickly ;  cover  with  half  an  inch 
of  light  sandy  loam,  with  a  portion  of  earth  from  the 
woods.  Keep  the  box  or  boxes  in  a  sheltered  situation, 
giving  frequent  sprinklings  of  water  to  keep  the  earth 
damp,  which  must  be  protected  with  a  frame,  or  cover- 
ed with  leaves  during  winter.  The  plants  will  ap- 
pear in  spring,  and  must  be  watered  and  kept  in  the 
shade :  when  the  leaves  decay  in  June,  put  one  inch 
more  soil  upon  them,  and  the  second  year  they  can  be 


..-..; '  .« 

296  "  *  :  ROOMS.  (AUGUST. 

planted  with  the  small  offsets  in  the  garden,  and  treat- 
ed as  other  bulbs.  They  must  be  carefully  marked 
every  year.  Tulips  require  many  years  of  trial  before 
their  qualities  are  known;  and  a  poor  soil  is  best 
to  produce  their  characters  after  the  first  bloom. 

SOWING  AND  SAVING  SEEDS. 

About  the  end  of  this  month  or  first  of  next;  is  an 
advisable  period  to  sow  seed  of  Delphinum  Jljacis  fibre- 
plbnoi  or  Double  Rocket  Larkspur.  This  plant  does 
not  flower  in  perfection  except  it  is  sown  in  autumn,  and 
grown  a  little  above  ground  before  winter,  when  a  few 
leaves  can  be  lightly  thrown  amongst  them,  but  not  to 
cover  them  entirely,  as  that  would  cause  damp,  and  they 
would  rot  off.  Coreopsis  tinctoria,  which  is  now  Calliopsis 
tinctbria,  and  a  beautiful  plant,  should  likewise  be  sown. 
Be  attentive  in  saving  all  kinds  of  seeds,  many  of  which 
will  keep  best  in  the  capsule.  Name  them  all  cor- 
rectly, and  with  the  year  in  which  they  were  grown. 


ftootm 


AUGUST. 

For  the  kinds  of  plants  that  require  potting,  we  refer 
to  the  Green-house  for  this  month.   All  that  are  therein 


'  -M*     '   »'  '  •     .   %*>  -.;-..'  ^  .   * 

AUGUST.]  ROOMS.  297 

•  •     •  .^'," 

specified  are  peculiarly  adapted  for  rooms,  and  we 
would  call  attention  to  the  genus  Cyclamen,  which 
has  not  been  generally  introduced  into  the  collections 
of  our  ladies ;  as,  from  the  character  and  beauty  of  the 
flowers,  they  are  very  attracting  and  highly  deserving  of 
culture.  Attend  to  the  Geraniums  as  there  directed, 
and  be  particular  in  having  them  cut  down,  and  repot- 
ted, as  there  fully  described.  The  Oranges,  Lemons, 
Oleanders,  and  Myrtles,  that  are  kept  in  cellars  or  rooms, 
should  have  the  same  attention  in  this  month  as  directed 
in  the  Green-house,  which  to  repeat  here  would  be  oc- 
cupying space  unnecessarily. 

Reseda  odorata,  or  Mignonette,  is  one  of  the  most  fra- 
grant annuals.  To  have  it  in  perfection,  the  seed  should 
be  sown  about  the  end  of  this  month,or  beginning  of  next, 
into  pots  of  fine  light  earth,  and  sprinkled  with  water 
frequently.  When  it  comes  up  the  plants  must  be  thin- 
ned out  or  transplanted ;  the  former  method  is  prefer- 
able. Keep  them  from  frost  during  winter,  and  always 
near  the  light. 

This  will  equally  apply  to  the  Green-house. 


&.<*•'.. 
#?  ,    ,V  * 


I 

* 


/•  * 


88 

ft 


t    • 

« 


•*  •'  < ' 

. 

298 


SEPTEMBER. 

• 


DRESSING  THE  PLANTS. 


Having  last  month  put  the  house  in  complete  order, 
all  that  remains  necessary  to  be  attended  to,  is  the  state 
of  the  plants  and  pots,  which  should  be  regularly  ex- 
amined, and  of  those  where  the  roots  fill  the  soil,  a  little 
may  be  taken  off  the  top,  supplying  its  place  with  fresh 
earth,  thereby  giving  what  is  called  a  top  dressing. 
Give  each  a  sufficient  rod  that  requires  it,  tieing  the 
plant  neatly  thereto ;  minutely  scrutinise  each  for  in- 
sects, and  where  they  are  detected,  have  them  eradica- 
ted. 

Finally,  wash  all  contracted  foulness  from  off  the 
pots,  at  the  same  time  pick  off  any  decayed  leaves; 
thus  all  will  be  in  perfect  order  to  take  into  the  house. 
If  any  plants  have  been  kept  in  the  Hot-house  during 
summer,  they  must  likewise  go  through  the  same  ope- 
rations. 

•  \    •$*'>: 

OF  TAKING  IN  THE  PLANTS. 

From  the  16th  to  the  24th,  according  to  the  season, 
is  the  proper  time  to  take  in  the  Hot-house  plants.  It  is 
preferable  to  have  them  what  might  be  deemed  a  few 


SEPT.]  HOT-HOUSE—GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS.  299 

days  too  early,  than  have  them  in  the  slightest  affected 
by  cold. 

Commence  by  housing  the  largest  first,  and  those 
that  stand  farthest  in  the  house,  observing  to  place  the 
most  tender  sorts  nearest  the  heat  or  warmest  part  of 
the  house.  For  observations  on  them,  see  May:  in  re- 
gard to  arrangement,  that  must  be  according  to  the 
taste  of  the  operator.  We  may  observe  that  in  a  small 
collection  it  is  better  to  have  them  in  a  regular  than  in 
a  picturesque  form.  A  dry  shelf  is  indispensable  in  this 
department  for  placing  on  it  all  herbaceous  plants,  such 
as  Canna,)  Hedychium,  Zingiber,  Kcempferia^  &c.  the 
watering  of  which  from  this  time  should  be  gradually 
suspended,  that  they  may  have  their  required  cessation 
to  make  them  flower  well.  This  shelf  may  be  in  any 
situation;  one  in  darkness,  where  other  plants  will  not 
grow,  will  answer  perfectly  well.  If  there  is  a  bark 
bed,  do  not,  until  the  end  of  December,  plunge  any  of 
the  pots  therein. 

GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  plants  being  now  all  under  protection,  they  must 
have  as  much  air  as  possible  admitted  to  them  every  day, 
by  opening  the  doors,  front  and  top  sashes,  closing  only 
at  night.  The  syringings  must  be  continued,  and  care 
taken  that  plants  of  a  deciduous  or  herbaceous  nature 
are  not  over  watered.  Alstr&merias  are  apt  to  rot  while 
dormant  when  they  are  supplied  with  water.  The  tu- 
berous species  might  be  kept  almost  dry.  Some  prac- 
tical men  of  sound  science  repot  these  plants  in  this 


300  GREEN.HOUSE.  [SEPT. 

month  into  fresh  soil,  and  allow  them  to  stand  till  Jan- 
uary almost  without  water.  We  have  never  adopted 
this  method  with  any  description  of  plants,  but  do  not 
doubt  of  its  success  with  that  genus. 

See  that  the  ropes  and  pullies  of  the  sashes  are  in 
good  order,  and  fit  to  stand  all  winter. 


SEPTEMBER. 

«• 

During  this  month  every  part  of  the  Green-house 
should  have  a  thorough  cleansing,  which  is  too  fre- 
quently neglected,  and  many  hundreds  of  insects  left 
unmolested.  To  preserve  the  wood  work  in  good  order, 
give  it  one  coat  of  paint  every  year.  Repair  all  broken 
glass,  white-wash  the  whole  interior,  giving  the  flues 
two  or  three  coats,  and  cover  the  stages  with  hot-lime, 
white-wash,  or  oil-paint;  examine  ropes,  pullies,  and 
weights,  finishing  by  washing  the  pavement  perfectly 
clean.  If  there  have  been  any  plants  in  the  house  du- 
ring summer,  be  sure  after  this  cleansing  that  they  are 
clean  also,  before  they  are  returned  to  their  respective 
situations. 


SEPT.]  GREEN-HOUSE-OF  WATERING,  *c.  301 

.«    '   *  '  I  *  '       *     '  *,   * 

:&»  R^V'takM^ 

OF  WATERING. 

~i~  •  *  •   "  .     ,    •       ^  "  •  iX"  i    * 

The  intensity  of  the  heat  being  over  for  the  season, 
the  heavy  dews  during  night  will  prevent  so  much  ab- 
sorption amongst  the  plants.  They  will,  in  general, 
especially  by  the  end  of  the  month,  require  limited  sup- 
plies of  water  comparatively  to  their  wants  in  the  sum- 
mer months.  Be  careful  amongst  the  Geraniums  that 
were  repotted  in  August,  not  to  water  them  until  the 
new  soil  about  their  roots  is  becoming  dry.  ,  Syringing 
in  this  month  may  be  suspended  in  time  of  heavy  dews, 
but  in  dry  nights  resort  to  it  again. 

The  herbaceous  plants  and  those  of  a  succulent  na- 
ture must  be  sparingly  supplied.  The  large  trees  that 
were  put  in  new  earth  will  require  a  supply  only  once 
a  week,  but  in  such  quantity  as  will  go  to  the  bottom  of 
the  tubs. 


PREPARING  FOR  TAKING  IN  THE  PLANTS. 

About  the.  end  of  the  month  all  the  plants  should  be 
examined  and  cleaned  in  like  manner  as  directed  for 
those  of  the  Hot-house  last  month,  which  see.  From 
the  1st  to  the  8th  of  October  is  the  most  proper  time 
to  take  them  into  the  Green-house,  except  those  of  a 
half  hardy  nature,  which  may  stand  out  till  the  appear- 
ance of  frost.  All  the  Geraniums  that  were  put  in  the 
shade  after  shifting,  may  after  the  10th  be  fully  exposed, 
which  will  in  some  degree  prevent  them  from  being  weak. 
Turn  them  in  such  a  manner  as  will  make  them  grow 
equally.  Always  endeavour  to  have  these  plants  short 


302  GREEN.HOUSE— STOCKS,  &c.  [SEPT. 


and  bushy,  for  they  are  unsightly  otherwise,  except 
where  a  few  very  large  specimens  are  desired  for  show. 
All  Myrtles  and  Oleanders  that  were  headed  down,  if 
the  young  shoots  are  too  crowded,  continue  to  thin 
them  out,  and  give  regular  turnings,  that  all  the  heads 
may  grow  regularly. 

STOCKS  AND  WALL-FLOWERS, 

That  are  wanted  to  flower  in  the  Green-house  (where 
they  do  remarkably  well)  and  are  in  the  ground,  have 
them  carefully  lifted  before  the  end  of  the  month,  and 
planted  in  six  or  seven  inch  pots,  with  light  loamy  soil. 
Place  them  in  the  shade  till  they  take  fresh  root,  and 
give  them  frequent  sprinklings  of  water.  As  soon  as 
the  foliage  becomes  erect,  expose  them  to  the  full  sun, 

and  treat  as  Green-house  plants. 

^  ' ,  • 

CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

These  very  ornamental  plants  blooming  so  late,  and 
at  a  period  when  there  are  few  others  in  flower,  one  of 
each  variety  (or  two  of  some  of  the  finest)  should  be 
lifted  and  put  in  8  inch  pots,  in  light  loamy  soil,  and 
treated  as  above  directed  for  Stocks,  &c.  These  will 
flower  beautifully  from  October  to  December,  and  when 
done  blooming  the  pots  may  be  plunged  in  the  garden, 
or  covered  with  any  kind  of  litter,  until  spring,  when 
they  can  be  divided  and  planted  out. 


*     •  « 

SEPT.]  GREEN-HOUSE— CAPE  BULBS,  &c.  303 

CAPE  AND  HOLLAND  BULBS. 

About  the  end  of  this  month  is  the  period  for  all  of 
these  that  are  intended  for  the  Green-house  to  be 
potted.  We  specified  some  of  the  former  last  month, 
and  will  here  enumerate  a  few  others. 

Bablana,  a  genus  of  small  bulbs,  with  pretty  blue,  red, 
and  yellow  flowers.  B.  distica,  pale  blue  flowers  in  two 
ranks.  B.  stricta,  flowers  blue  and  white.  B.  tubiflbra 
is  beautiful,  colour  white  and  red.  B.  plicata  has  sweet- 
scented  pale  blue  flowers.  There  are  about  twenty 
species  of  them,  and  they  grow  from  six  to  twelve  in- 
ches high.  Four  inch  pots  are  sufficient  for  them. 

Gladiolus,  Corn-flag,  a  genus  of  above  fifty  species. 
There  are  several  very  showy  plants  amongst  them, 
and  a  few  very  superb.  G.  floribundus,  large  pink  and 
white  flowers.  G.  cardinalis,  flowers  superb  scarlet, 
spotted  with  white.  G.  byzantmus,  large  purple  flowers. 
G.  bldndus,  flowers  of  a  blush  rose  colour,  and  hand- 
some. G.  cuspidatus,  flowers  white  and  purple.  G. 
psittdcinus  is  the  most  magnificent  of  the  genus,  both  in 
size  and  beauty  of  flower;  the  flowers  are  striped  with 
green,  yellow,  and  scarlet,  about  four  inches  diameter, 
in  great  profusion,  on  a  stem  about  two  feet  high,  and 
though  rare  in  Europe  may  be  seen  in  some  collections 
in  this  country.  The  beauty  of  this  genus  is  all  cen- 
tred in  the  flowers ;  the  leaves  are  similar  to  Iris. 

Ixia,  a  genus  containing  about  twenty-five  species  of 
very  free-flowering  bulbs.  /.  monadelpha,  flowers  blush 
and  green.  /.  leucdntha,  flowers  large,  white.  /.  capi- 
tata,  flowers  in  heads  of  a  white  and  almost  black  co~ 


304  GREEN-HOUSE—CAPE  BULBS,  &c.  [SEPT. 

lour.  /.  cdnica,  flowers  orange  and  velvet.  /.  columel- 
Idris  is  beautifully  variegated  with  purple,  blush,  and 
vermilion  colours.  The  flower  "stems  are  from  six  to 
twenty-four  inches  high. 

Spardxis,  a  beautiful  genus  of  twelve  species,  closely 
allied  to  the  last,  but  more  varied  in  colour.  S.grandi- 
flora  stridta  is  striped  with  purple  ground  blush.  S.  ver- 
sicolor,  colours  crimson,  dark  purple,  and  yellow.  S. 
anemonaflora  is  of  various  colours,  and  very  similar  to 
Anemone. 

Tritonia,  a  genus  of  about  twenty-five  species.  Few  of 
them  deserve  culture  in  regard  to  their  beauty.  T.  cro- 
cdta  is  in  our  collections,  as  /.  crocata,  which  is  amongst 
the  finest,  and  T.  zanthosplla  has  white  flowers  curiously 
spotted  with  yellow. 

Watsorda,  a  genus  containing  several  species  of  showy 
flowers,  several  of  which  are  in  our  collections,  under 
the  genus  Gladiolus,  but  the  most  of  the  species  may  ea- 
sily be  distinguished  from  it  by  their  flat  shell  formed 
bulbs.  W.  iridifolia  is  the  largest  of  the  genus,  and  has 
flowers  of  a  flesh  colour.  W.  rosea  is  large  growing,  the 
flowers  are  pink,  and  on  the  stem  in  a  pyramid  form.  W. 
humilis  is  a  pretty  red  flowering  species.  W.  fulgida,  once 
Antholyza  fulgens,  has  fine  bright  scarlet  flowers.  W. 
mbens  is  an  esteemed  red  flowering  species,  but  scarce. 

These  six  genera  are  in  general  cultivation.  There 
are  several  of  others  of  merit  that  our  limits  will  not  ad- 
mit-of  inserting.  We  have  no  doubt  there  are  some 
splendid  species  that  have  not  come  under  our  obser- 
vatign,  and  others  which  may  be  obtained  from  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope  not  known  in  any  collection.  Many 


*<: 


SEPT.]  GREEN-HOUSE—CAPE  BULBS,  &c.  305 

* '  *  W, 

hundreds  of  superb  bulbs  indigenous  to  that  country, 

and  of  the  same  nature  anci  habit  of  the  above,  have 
not  been  seen  in  collections.  The  flowers  of  those 
which  we  have  specified  are  from  one  to  four  inches  in 
diameter,  ringent,  tubular,  or  campanulate.  Pots  from 
four  to  seven  inches  diameter,  according  to  the  size  of 
the  roots,  will  be  large  enough.  Give  them  very  little 
water  until  they  begin  to  grow ;  then  supply  moderate- 
ly, and  keep  them  near  the  light.  Of  the  Holland  or 
Dutch  bulbs,  the  Hyacinth  is  the  favourite  to  bloom  in 
the  Green-house.  A  few  of  the  Tulip,  Narcissus,  Iris,  and 
Crocus,  may  for  variety  be  also  planted  with  any  other 
that  curiosity  may  dictate.  When  these  are  grown  in 
pots,  the  soil  should  be  four-eighths  loam,  two-eighths 
leaf  mould,  one-eighth  decomposed  manure,  one-eighth 
sand,  well  compounded;  plant  in  pots  from  four  to  se- 
ven inches,  keep  the  crown  of  the  bulb  above  the  sur- 
face of  the  soil,  except  of  the  Tulip,  which  should  be 
covered  two  inches.  When  these  roots  are  potted, 
plunge  them  in  the  garden  about  three  inches  under 
ground ;  mark  out  a  space  sufficient  to  contain  them ; 
throw  out  the  earth  about  four  inches  deep,  place  the 
pots  therein,  covering  them  with  earth  to  the  above 
depth,  making  it  in  the  form  of  a  bed.  Leave  a  trench 
all  round  to  carry  oft*  the  rain.  By  so  doing,  the  bulbs 
will  root  strong,  the  soil  will  be  kept  in  a  congenial 
state  about  them,  and  they  will  prove  far  superior  than 
if  done  in  the  common  method.  Lift  them  from  this 
bed  on  the  approach  of  frost,  or  not  later  than  the 
second  week  of  December,  wash  the  pots  and  take 
them  to  the  Green-house. 

39 

'" 


306  GREEN-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING.  [Sirr. 

OF  REPOTTING. 

Viburnum.  This  is  a  good  period  to  repot  all  the 
flowering  plants  of  this  genus.  For  a  full  description 
of  them,  see  Green-house,  March.  The  repotting  is 
only  intended  for  young  plants  that  are  wanted  to 
grow  freely.  When  the  V.  tlnus  is  much  encouraged, 
it  does  not  flower  profusely. 

Lilium,  Lily.  There  are  four  species  of  this  splen- 
did genus  kept  in  the  Green-house.  It  has  always 
been  our  practice  to  repot  them  when  they  begin  to 
grow,  though  it  is  said  by  some  that,  when  removed 
at  that  time,  they  will  not  flower  perfectly.  They  will 
not  do  to  be  kept  above  a  few  weeks  out  of  the 
ground,  and  we  think  they  ought  never  to  be  kept  out 
any  period.  We  place  them  here,  that  a  choice  may 
be  made  by  the  cultivator  of  either  of  the  periods, 
which  is  not  material ;  observing  in  either  case,  that 
excess  of  moisture  is  injurious  while  they  are  dormant. 
L.  longifldrum  grows  about  one  foot  high,  with  one  or 
more  flowers.  L.  longifldrum  suaveolens,  is  sweet-scent- 
ed, and  has  only  one  flower.  L.  japbnicum  is  the  most 
magnificent,  grows  about  two  feet  high,  with  three  or 
more  flowers  on  one  stem.  L.  lancifblium ;  we  incline 
to  class  this  with  L.  speciosum,  there  being  no  apparent 
distinction  in  any  character.  The  flowers  are  all  of 
the  purest  white.  They  require  from  five  to  seven 
inch  pots. 


307 


SEPTEMBER. 


OF  DAHLIAS. 

See  that  all  these  plants  are  supported  with  proper 
stakes,  rods,  &c.,  that  the  wind  may  have  no  effect  in 
breaking  down  or  otherwise  destroying  the  flower 
stems.  Strictly  observe  their  respective  heights  and 
colours,  that  they  may  be  duly  disposed  and  inter- 
spersed next  year,  if  not  done  so  this.  If  the  early 
part  of  the  month  is  dry,  give  them  liberal  supplies  of 
water. 

GENERAL  CARE  OF  PLANTS  IN  POTS. 

All  the  flowers  that  are  in  pots,  and  intended  to  be 
kept  in  frames  during  winter,  should  have  a  top-dress- 
ing, and  a  general  preparation  for  their  winter  quarters, 
by  tieing  up,  &c.  The  carnation  and  pink  layers  that 
were  lifted  and  potted  last  month  must  be  brought 
from  the  shade  as  soon  as  they  begin  to  grow ;  and 
those  that  are  not  lifted,  have  them  done  forthwith, 
that  they  may  be  rooted  afresh  before  the  frost  sets  in. 
All  Wall-flowers  and  Stocks  should  be  lifted  this 
month,  and  planted  in  five  to  seven  inch  pots,  and 
treated  as  directed  for  carnation  layers  last  month, 


308          FLOWER-GARDEN— GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS.        [SEPT. 

until  they  begin  to  grow,  when  they  must  be  fully  ex- 
posed. 

•••?  >  .-^^  '  * 

PREPARE  BEDS  AND  BORDERS  FOR  BULBOUS  ROOTS. 

.  »       *» 

Bulbous  roots  of  every  character  delight  in  deep 
free  soil;  consequently,  wherever  they  are  desired  to  be 
planted,  due  attention  must  be  paid  to  put  the  soil  in 
proper  order,  to  have  them  in  perfection.  Where 
there  are  a  quantity  intended  to  be  planted,  to  have 
them  in  beds  is  the  general  and  preferable  method. 
These  ought  to  be  dug  from  eighteen  inches  to  two 
feet  deep,  at  the  bottom  of  which  place  three  or  four 
inches  of  decayed  manure.  Where  the  soil  is  poor  it 
should  be  enriched  with  well  decomposed  manure  and 
earth  from  the  woods,  incorporating  both  well  with 
the  soil,  breaking  it  all  fine.  This  being  done,  allow 
it  to  stand  until  the  middle  of  next  month,  which  see 
for  farther  directions. 

.       4k 

GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Tie  up  carefully  all  the  Chrysanthemums,  Tuberoses, 
&c.  Clear  away  the  stems  or  haulm  of  any  decayed 
annuals  or  herbaceous  plants,  that  nothing  unsightly 
may  appear.  Be  attentive  to  the  collecting  of  all  kinds 
of  seeds. 


to 


.-•  W1 

>;,.  ' 
* 
309 


Where  there  is  a  quantity  of  plants  to  be  kept  in 
these  apartments,  they  should  be  disposed  to  the  best 
effect,  and  at  the  same  time  in  such  a  manner  as  will 
be  most  effectual  to  their  preservation.  A  stage  of 
some  description  is  certainly  the  best,  and,  of  whatever 
shape  or  form,  it  ought  to  be  on  castors,  that  it 
may,  in  severe  nights  of  frost,  be  drawn  to  the  centre 
of  the  room.  The  shape  may  be  either  concave,  a 
half  circle,  or  one  square  side.  The  bottom  step  or 
table  should  be  six  inches  apart,  keeping  each  succes- 
sive step  one  inch  farther  apart,  to  the  desired  height, 
which  may  be  about  six  feet.  Allowing  the  first  step 
to  be  about  two  feet  from  the  floor,  there  will  be  five 
or  six  steps,  which  will  hold  about  fifty  pots  of  a  com- 
mon size.  A  stage  in  the  form  of  half  a  circle  will  hold 
more,  look  the  handsomest,  and  be  most  convenient. 
We  have  seen  them  circular,  and  when  filled  appeared 
like  a  pyramid.  These  do  very  well,  but  they  must  be 
turned  every  day,  or  the  plants  will  not  grow  regularly. 
With  this  attention  it  is  decidedly  the  best.  Green  is 
the  most  suitable  colour  to  paint  them. 


310  ROOMS— GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS.  [SEPT. 


GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  directions  given  for  the  Green-house  this  month 
are  equally  applicable  here.  The  Tassekd  White  Chry- 
santhemum^ and  a  few  other  late  blooming  sorts,  are 
particularly  adapted  for  rooms.  If  there  is  no  conve- 
nience to  plunge  the  pots  with  Dutch  bulbs  in  the  gar- 
den, as  described  in  the  Green-house  of  this  month, 
give  them  very  little  water  until  they  begin  to  grow. 


311 


OCTOBER. 

Very  few  directions  remain  to  be  given  to  the  de- 
partment of  the  Hot-house.  The  supplies  of  water  for 
this  and  the  two  preceding  months  are,  according  to 
the  state  and  nature  of  tropical  plants,  more  limited 
than  at  any  other  period  of  the  year.  This  is  the  first 
month  of  what  may  be  called  their  dormant  state.  Ob- 
serve the  herbaceous  plants,  that  they  are,  as  soon  as 
their  foliage  decays,  set  aside,  in  case  of  being  too  libe- 
rally supplied  with  water.  Airing  is  highly  essential 
about  this  period,  that  the  plants  may  be  gradually  har- 
dened ;  but  guard  against  injuring  them.  The  tempe- 
rature should  not  be  under  fifty  degrees ;  when  the  days 
are  cool,  and  the  wind  chilling,  airing  is  not  necessary ; 
and  when  air  is  admitted,  always  close  up  early  in  the 
afternoon,  whilst  the  atmosphere  is  warm,  to  supersede 
the  necessity  of  fire  as  long  as  possible.  If  at  any  time 
you  have  recourse  to  it  in  this  month,  use  it  with  great 
caution. 

Examine  all  the  shutters  and  fastenings,  and  see  that 
they  are  in  good  substantial  order,  and  where  deficient 
repair  them  instantly,  that  they  may  be  in  readiness. 
Remove  all  leaves,  and  give  syringings  twice  a  week. 
Clear  off,  sweep  out,  and  wash  clean,  that  every  part 
may  be  in  the  neatest  order. 


312 


OCTOBER. 


OF  TAKING  IN  AND  ARRANGING  THE  PLANTS. 

As  observed  in  the  previous  month,  let  the  housing  of 
Green-house  plants  now  be  attended  to.  Have  all  in 
before  the  eighth  of  the  month,  except  a  few  of  the  half 
hardy  sorts,  which  may  stand  until  convenient.  Begin 
by  taking  in  all  the  tallest  first,  such  as  Oranges,  Lemons, 
Myrtles,  Oleanders,  &c.  Limes  ought  to  be  kept  in  the 
warmest  part  of  the  house,  otherwise  they  will  throw 
their  foliage.  In  arrangement,  order  is  necessary  to 
have  a  good  effect ;  and  in  small  houses  it  ought  to  be 
neat  and  regular,  placing  the  tallest  behind,  and  accor- 
ding to  their  size  graduating  the  others  down  to  the 
lowest  in  front.  Dispose  the  different  sorts  in  varied 
order  over  the  house,  making  the  contrast  as  striking 
as  possible.  Having  the  surface  of  the  whole  as  even 
as  practicable,  with  a  few  of  the  most  conspicuous  for 
shape  and  beauty  protruding  above  the  mass,  which 
will  much  improve  the  general  appearance,  and  greatly 
add  to  the  effect.  All  succulents  should  be  put  together. 
They  will  do  in  a  dark  part  of  the  house,  where  other 
plants  would  not  grow,  studying  to  have  the  most  ten- 
der kinds  in  the  warmest  part,  and  giving  gentle  water- 
ings every  three  or  four  weeks.  When  all  are  arranged^ 


/%  '/>.    «  a 

V  ' 


OCTOBER.]  GREEN -HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING.  313 

'-A.'  *'  -*"•"••  3t*        •       )M          '  *•% 

give  them  a  proper  syringing,  after  which  wipe  clean  all 
-the  stages,  benches,  &c.  sweeping  out  all  litter,  and  wash 
clean  the  pavement,  which  will  give  to  all  a  neat  and 
becoming  appearance. 

Let  the  waterings  now  be  done  in  the  mornings,  as 
often  and  in  such  quantities  as  will  supply  their  re- 
spective wants,  examining  the  plants  every  day. 

Daring  the  continuance  of  mild  weather,  the  circu- 
lation of  air  must  be  as  free  as  possible,  opening  the 
doors  and  front  and  top  sashes  regularly  over  the 
house.  But  observe  in  frosty  nights,  and  wet,  cloudy 
weather,  to  keep  all  close  shut.  Be  attentive  in  clear- 
ing off  decayed  leaves  and  insects. 
V  Any  plants  of  Lagerstrcemia,  Stercutia,  Hydrangea, 
Pomegranate,  and  others  equally  hardy,  that  are  deci- 
duous, may  be  kept  perfectly  in  a  dry,  light,  airy  cellar, 
giving  frequent  admissions  of  air. 


OF  REPOTTING. 

Jlnembnes.  Where  Jl.  nemorosa  flore  pleno  and  d.  tha- 
lictroides  flore  pleno  are  kept  in  pots  in  the  Green-house, 
they  should  be  turned  out  of  the  old  earth,  and  planted 
in  fresh  soil.  They  are  both  pretty,  low  growing, 
double  white  flowering  plants,  and  require  a  shaded 
situation.  The  latter  is  now  called  Thalictrum  ane- 
monoides. 

Daphne,  is  a  genus  of  diminutive  shrubs,  mostly  ever- 
greens, of  great  beauty  and  fragrance.  Very  few 
species  of  them  are  in  our  collections.  D.  odbra,  fre- 
quently called  D.  indica,  is  an  esteemed  plant  for  the 

*    40 


314          ' •*   *  GREEN-HOUSE— OF  REPOTTING.  [OCTOBER. 

delightful  odour  of  its  flowers,  and  valuable  for  the 
period  of  its  flowering,  being  from  December  to  March, 
according  to  the  situation;  leaves  scattered,  oblong, 
lanceolate,  smooth;  flowers  small,  white,  in  many- 
flowered  terminale  heads.  D.  hybrida  is  a  species  in 
high  estimation  at  present  in  Europe,  but  little  known 
here,  being  only  in  a  few  collections ;  flowers  rose-co- 
loured, in  terminale  heads,  and  lateral  bunches  in  great 
profusion,  and  very  similar  to  the  former  in  habit  and 
shape  of  flower ;  blooms  from  January  to  May,  and  is 
of  a  peculiar  fragrance.  D.  oleoides  is  what  may  be 
termed  "ever-blooming;"  flowers  of  a  lilac  colour; 
leaves  elliptic,  lanceolate,  smooth.  D.  laureola,  Spurge 
laurel;  D.  pontica,  D.  alplna,  and  D.  Cnebrum^  are  all 
fine  species,  and  in  Europe  are  esteemed  ornaments 
in  the  shrubbery,  but  we  are  not  certain  if  they  will 
prove  hardy  in  our  vicinity. 

Primula.  There  are  a  few  fine  species  and  varie- 
ties in  this  genus,  adapted  either  for  the  Green- 
house or  Rooms.  All  the  species  and  varieties  will 
keep  perfectly  well  in  a  frame,  except  the  China  sorts. 
Having  previously  observed  a  few  of  the  other  species 
and  varieties,  we  will  observe  the  treatment  of  these. 
P.  sinensis,  now  prcenitens,  known  commonly  as  China 
Primrose;  flowers  pink,  and  in  large  proliferous  um- 
bels, flowering  almost  through  the  whole  year,  but 
most  profusely  from  January  to  May.  Keep  them  in 
the  shade,  and  be  careful  that  they  are  not  over-water- 
ed during  summer.  As  the  stems  of  the  plant  become 
naked,  at  this  repotting  a  few  inches  should  be  taken 
off  the  bottom  of  the  ball,  and  placing  them  in  a  larger 


OCTOBER.]  GREEN-HOUSE— CAMELLIAS.  3J5 

pot  will  allow  the  stems  to  be  covered  up  to  the  leaves. 
P.  p.  albiflbra,  colour  pure  white  and  beautiful.  P.  p. 
dentiflbra.  There  is  also  a  white  variety  of  this,  both 
similar  to  the  two  former,  only  the  flower  indented.  All 
these  require  the  same  treatment.  As  they  only  live  a 
few  years,  many  individuals,  to  propagate  them,  divide 
the  stems,  which  in  most  cases  will  utterly  destroy  them. 
The  best,  and  we  may  say  the  only  method  to  increase 
them,  is  from  seed,  which  they  produce  in  abundance 
every  year. 

Pa&onia,  is  a  magnificent  genus.  There  are  four  va- 
rieties of  them,  half  hardy  and  half  shrubby.  They  will 
bear  the  winter  if  well  protected,  but  are  better  in  the 
Green-house.  These  are  P.  moutdn,  Tree  Pseony;  the 
flower  is  about  four  inches  in  diameter,  of  a  blush  co- 
lour, and  semi-double;  P.  M.  Banksii  is  the  common 
Tree  Pseony,  and  called  in  our  collection  P.  Moutdn; 
it  has  a  very  large  double  blush  flower,  and  is  much 
admired.  P.  M.  papaverdcea  is  a  most  magnificent  va- 
riety; has  large  double  white  flowers,  with  .pink  cen- 
tres. P.  M.  rosea  is  a  splendid  rose-coloured  double 
variety,  and  is  scarce.  These  plants  ought  not  to  be 
exposed  to  the  sun  while  in  flower,  as  the  colours  be- 
come degenerated,  and  premature  decay  follows. 

If  the  Dutch  bulbs  intended  for  flowering  during  win- 
ter are  not  potted,  have  them  all  done  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble, according  to  directions  given  last  month. 

« 

CAMELLIAS. 

These  plants  ought  to  have  a  thorough  examination, 


316  Y>     GREEN-HOUSE—CAMELLIAS.  [OCTOBER. 

and  those  that  were  omitted  in  repotting  before  they 
commenced  growing,  may  be  done  in  the  early  part  of 
this  month ;  but  it  is  not  adviseable,  except  the  roots 
are  matted  round  the  ball  of  earth,  which  should  be 
turned  out  entire.  Examine  all  the  pots,  stir  up  the 
surface  of  the  earth,  and  take  it  out  to  the  roots,  sup- 
plying its  place  with  fresh  soil.  Destroy  any  worms 
that  may  be  in  the  pots,  as  they  are  very  destructive  to 
the  fibres.  Look  over  the  foliage  and  with  a  sponge  and 
water  clear  it  of  all  dust,  &c.  Frequently  the  buds  are 
too  crowded. on  these  plants,  especially  the  Double  white 
and  Variegated.  In  such  case  pick  off  the  weakest,  and 
where  there  are  two  together,  be  careful  in  cutting,  so 
that  the  remaining  bud  may  not  be  injured. 

This  is  the  best  period  of  the  year  to  make  selections 
of  these,  as  they  now  can  be  transported  hundreds  of 
miles  without  any  material  injury,  if  they  are  judicious- 
ly packed  in  close  boxes.  In  making  a  choice  of  these, 
keep  in  view  to  have  distinctly  marked  varieties,  inclu- 
ding a  few  of  those  that  are  esteemed  as  stocks  for 
producing  new  kinds,  which  are  undoubtedly  indispen- 
sable ;  and  will  reward  the  cultivator  in  a  few  years 
with  new  sorts.  Besides,  it  will  afford  unbounded  gra- 
tification to  behold  any  of  these  universally  admired 
ornaments  of  the  Green-house  improving  by  our  as- 
sistance and  under  our  immediate  observation.  There 
is  nothing  to  prevent  any  individual  from  producing 
splendid  varieties  in  a  few  years.  Mr.  Hogg  correctly 
observes,  "  It  is  very  probable  in  a  few  years  we  shall 
have  as  great  a  variety  of  Camellias,  as  there  are  of 
Tulips,  Hyacinths,  Carnations,  Auriculas,  &c." 


OCTOBER.]       FLOWER-GARDEN—  OF  PLANTING,  &c.  317 

•1(L  •  ••"•  '    x*-  1 

It  has  been  often  said  that  these  plants  are  difficult 
of  cultivation.  This  is  unfounded,  indeed  they  are  the 
reverse  if  put  in  a  soil  congenial  to  their  nature.  When 
highly  manured  soils  are  given,  which  are  poisonous  to 
the  plants,  sickness  or  death  will  inevitably  ensue  ;  but 
this  cannot  be  attributed  to  the  delicacy  of  their  nature. 
We  can  unhesitatingly  say  there  is  no  Green-house 
plant  more  hardy  or  easier  of  cultivation,  and  they  are 
equally  so  in  the  parlour,  if  not  kept  confined  in  a  room 
where  there  is  a  continuance  of  drying  fire  heat,  their 
constitution  not  agreeing  with  an  arid  atmosphere. 


• 


OCTOBER. 


OF  PLANTING  VARIOUS  BULBOUS  FLOWER  ROOTS. 

From  the  middle  of  October  to  the  beginning  of  No- 
vember is  the  best  period  for  a  general  planting  of 
Dutch  bulbs. 

Crocuses  are  the  earliest  in  flower,  and  may  be  plant- 
ed about  six  inches  off  the  edgings,  about  four  inches 
apart  and  two  deep,  or  in  beds  four  feet  wide  ;  the  va- 
rieties selected  and  planted  across  the  bed  in  rows  of 


3 1 8  FLOWER-GARDEN— OF  PLANTING,  &c.  [OCTOBER. 

•»   '       ' ' 

distinct  colours,  they  flowering  so  early,  and  in  that 
manner  have  a  grand  effect.  There  are  above  sixty 
varieties  to  be  had. 

Hyacinths.  The  ground  that  was  prepared  for  these 
last  month,  should  be  all  divided  into  beds  four  feet 
wide,. leaving  between  each  alleys  of  twenty  inches. 
Skim  off  three  inches  of  the  surface  of  the  former  into 
the  latter,  level  the  bed  smoothly  with  the  rake,  and 
mark  it  off  in  rows  eight  inches  apart.  Plant  the  roots 
in  the  row  eight  inches  asunder.  Thus  they  will  be 
squares  of  eight  inches,  and  by  planting  the  different 
colours  alternately  the  bed  will  be  beautifully  diversi- 
fied. Press  each  root  gently  down  with  the  hand,  that 
in  covering  up  they  may  not  be  displaced.  Put  about 
four  inches  of  earth  over  the  crowns,  which  will  make 
the  beds  from  two  to  three  inches  higher  than  the  al- 
leys. The  beds  before  and  after  planting  should  be  gently 
rounded  from  the  middle  to  each  side  to  let  the  rain 
pass  off.  Finish  all  by  raking  evenly,  straighten  the 
edgings  with  the  line,  and  clear  out  the  alleys  or  path- 
ways, 

Tulips  like  a  lighter  and  richer  earth  than  Hyacinths. 
Prepare  the  beds  in  the  same  manner,  and  so  as  the 
roots  will  stand  nine  inches  apart  each  way;  cover 
them  five  inches  deep,  as  the  new  bulbs  are  produced 
above  the  old. 

If  it  is  intended  to  screen  either  of  these  while  in 
flower,  the  beds  should  be  made  wider.  Where  two  beds 
are  to  be  shaded  under  one  awning,  make  the  alleys 
alternately  two  or  three  feet  wide ;  the  one  two-  feet 
wide  to  be  under  the  awning. 


• 

OCTOBER.]       FLOWER  GARDEN— OF  PLANTING,  Ac.  319 

Polyanthus  and  Italian  Narcissus,  may  be  planted  in 
every  respect  as  Hyacinths,  only  they  require  a  lighter 
and  richer  soil. 

Jonquils.  Plant  these  in  the  same  soil  as  Tulips,  six 
inches  apart,  and  cover  three  inches  deep.  They  do 
not  flower  so  well  the  first  year  as  in  the  second  and 
third,  therefore  should  only  be  lifted  every  third  year. 

Anemones  and  Ranunculuses.     These  roots  like  a  fresh 
rich,  well  pulverized,  loamy  soil    In  light  sandy  soils 
they  will  languish  in  early  droughts,  and  sometimes  do 
not  show  their  flowers  fully.    Cow  manure  is  the  best 
to  use  for  enriching  the  soil.    The  whole  should  be 
well  mixed  and  incorporated  to  the  depth  of  eighteen 
or  twenty  inches.    The  roots  may  be  planted  in  four- 
foot  beds,  or  in  such  a  manner  as  a  low  frame  of 
boards  can  be  placed  over  them,  when  the  winter  sets 
in  very  severe.     If  intended  to  be  shaded  while  in 
flower,  leave  a  sufficiency  of  space  in  the  alleys  as  di- 
rected for  Tulips  and  Hyacinths.     Do  not  raise  the 
beds  above  one  inch  higher  than  the  alleys,  and  form 
the  surface  level,  in  order  to  detain  rather  than  throw 
off  moisture.     Then  draw  drills    exactly  two  inches 
deep  and  six  inches  apart  across  the  bed.    In  these 
place  the  roots,  claws  down,  about  four  inches  dis- 
tant from  each  other.     The  roots  of  the  Anemones 
are  flat,  and  the  side  on  which  there  are  small  protu- 
berances, is  that  from  which  the  stems  proceed.  Press 
each  root  a  little  down  with  the  hand,  and  cover  all 
carefully  so  as  not  to  displace  them.     Smooth  the  sur- 
face with  the  rake,  leaving  the  bed  quite  level. 

Many  other  bulbous  flowers  might  be  added  to  the 


" 


V* 


. 


320  FLOWER-GARDEN— OF  PLANTING,  &c.        [OCTOBER. 

above ;  but  as  their  culture  is  so  similar,  it  would  be 
superfluous  to  say  more  of  them.  They  should  be  al- 
lowed space  and  depth  according  to  the  size  of  the 
bulb ;  a  covering  of  two  inches  for  the  smallest,  and 
five  for  the  largest,  will  generally  answer,  and  the  in- 
termediate roots  in  proportion.  We  will  enumerate  a 
few  of  the  different  kinds,  Starch  and  Musk  Hyacinths  ; 
of  Narcissus,  the  Paper,  Grand  Monarque,  and  Nodding, 
with  the  two  previously  mentioned,  are  the  most  profuse 
in  flower.  Some  of  them  will  have  above  twelve  flowers 
on  one  stem.  Of  Lilies,  all  the  varieties  of  Mdrtagon, 
Tignnum  and  Chalcedonicum,  with  our  native  species  and 
varieties.  Of  Iris,  Lusitdnica,  two  varieties,  yellow  and 
blue ;  Xiphioides,  or  Ziphioides ;  and  Persica,  are  the 
finest  of  the  bulbous  sorts.  Snow-drop  with  several 
other  minor  bulbs. 

All  of  these  flowering  bulbs  may  be  advantageously 
planted  in  patches  through  the  garden  by  taking  out 
about  one  square  foot  of  earth.  Break  it  well,  and  if 
poor  enrich  it.  Plant  four  bulbs  in  each  of  the  same 
colour,  and  the  clumps  that  are  contiguous  to  contain  \ 
different  colours. 


PLANTING  AND  TRANSPLANTING, 

This  is  a  very  proper  period  to  plant  the  beautiful 
and  early  flowering  Pyrus  japonica,  now  called  Cydonia 
japonica.  The  blossoms  are  of  a  rich  scarlet  colour. 
It  is  the  earliest  flowering  shrub  of  the  garden,  and  de- 
ciduous, though  said  by  some  to  be  "  an  evergreen." 
The  plant  is  bushy,  and  well  adapted  for  single  plants 


- 

* 


OCTOBER.]  FLOWER-GARDEN—PLANTING,  &c.  321 

in  grass  plats,  or  forming  low  ornamental  hedges.  There 
is  likewise  C.  j.  alba,  a  fine  white  variety  of  the  same 
habit,  and  both  are  of  the  hardiest  nature — also  for  the 
various  species  of  Anemones  and  all  the  herbaceous 
Pceonias. 

Of  the  latter  there  are  above  nineteen  species  and 
twenty-two  varieties,  a  few  of  which  are  particularly 
esteemed,  and  exceedingly  handsome.  P.  edulis  whitliji 
is  a  splendid  large  double  Pedulis  white;  P.  Humei  is 
a  beautiful  large  double  dark  blush  ;  P.  edulis  frdgrans 
is  *a  fine  large  double  scarlet,  rose- scented  variety. 
These  three  plants  ought  to  be  in  every  garden. 
The  flowers  are  full  in  the  centre,  and  frequently 
above  six  inches  in  diameter ;  P.  alba  chinensis  is  said 
to  be  the  largest  and  finest  of  the  herbaceous  sorts ; 
colour  pure  white,  with  pink  at  the  bottom  of  the 
petals — it  is  a  scarce  variety;  P.paradoxa  fimbatria, 
fringed  double  red,  and  esteemed  ;  P.  officinalis  rubra  is 
the  common  double  red.  There  are  several  other  very 
fine  single  species  and  varieties,  the  flowers  of  which 
are  principally  red  or  blush,  but  none  so  magnificent  as 
the  above  mentioned.  This  is  perhaps  a  more  favour- 
able period  to  plant  Dodecdtheon  than  March ;  for  its 
character  see  that  month  of  this  department.  Jlscle- 
pias  tuberosa  should  now  be  planted. 

Double  Primroses,  Polyanthus,  Daisies,  &c.  Any  of 
these  that  were  planted  in  shaded  situations  in  spring, 
and  have  been  preserved  through  the  summer,  should 
have  for  their  farther  protection  a  bed  well  sheltered 
from  the  north  west,  in  which  they  should  be  planted 
41 


322  FLOWER-GARDEN— GRASS  WALKS,  &c-  [OCTOBER. 

four  inches  apart.  Give  them  a  few  sprinklings  of  wa- 
ter in  the  morning,  and  have  a  temporary  frame  of 
rough  boards  put  together  to  place  over  them  during 
the  severity  of  winter.  The  frame  may  be  covered 
with  the  same  in  place  of  glass,  which  must  be  kept 
over  them  while  they  are  in  a  frozen  state. 

Any  other  plants  that  are  in  the  ground,  which  are 
intended  to  be  protected  with  frames  through  the  win- 
ter, ought  to  be  immediately  lifted  and  potted;  and 
treated  as  directed  for  all  new  potted  plants. 

GRASS  AND  GRAVEL  WALKS. 

The  former  should  be  trimly  cut  and  well  rolled  this 
month,  that  they  may  appear  neat  all  winter.  Never 
allow  decayed  leaves  to  lay  any  time  upon  them,  as 
they  are  apt  to  rot  out  the  grass.  The  latter  should 
be  divested  of  every  weed,  and  receive  a  firm  rolling. 
Clear  them  at  all  times  of  leaves  and  other  litter. 
These,  if  on  a  declivity,  and  have  not  a  firm  substantial 
bottom,  will  be  subject  to  be  cut  up  with  every  heavy 
rain.  A  break  should  be  put  in  every  twenty,  forty,  or 
eighty  feet,  to  throw  off  the  water.  A  strong  plank 
will  answer  perfectly  well,  but  in  such  situations  we 
would  prefer  grass  walks. 


PLANTING  EVERGREENS. 

This  month  is  the  best  period  in  autumn  to  plant 
these  shrubs,  and  where  there  is  a  great  extent  to  be 


OCTOBSB.]  ROOMS.  333 

planted  it  would  be  advisable  to  do  a  part  of  it  now ; 
but  we  give  the  preference  to  April,  which  see  for  di- 
rections. 


GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

When  the  plantings  of  bulbs,  &c.  are  finished,  every 
part  of  the  garden  should  have  a  thorough  cleaning. 
All  annual  flowers  will  have  passed  the  season  of  their 
beauty ;  therefore,  remove  the  decayed  flower  stems  or 
haulm,  and  trim  off  the  borders.  Dig  all  vacant  ground, 
especially  that  intended  to  be  planted  with  shrubs  in 
the  ensuing  spring,  which  ought  to  be  dug  from  one  to 
two  feet  deep.  Roses  delight  in  a  deep  light  soil. 


OCTOBER. 

Have  a  stage  or  stages,  as  described  last  month,  in 
the  situations  where  they  are  intended  to  remain  all  win- 
ter ;  place  the  plants  on  them  from  the  first  to  the  eighth 
of  this  month,  beginning  with  the  tallest  on  the  top,  gra- 
duating to  the  bottom.  It  is  desirable  to  place  flats  or 
saucers  under  each,  to  prevent  the  water  from  falling 
to  the  floor,  and  the  water  should  be  emptied  from  the 


334  ROOMS— OF  BULBOUS  ROOTS.  [OCTOBER. 

flats  of  all  except  those  of  Cdlla  and  Hydrangea.  The 
latter  while  dormant  should  be  kept  only  a  little  moist. 
Previous  to  taking  in  the  plants,  they  should  be  di- 
vested of  every  decayed  leaf,  insects,  and  all  contracted 
dust,  having  their  shoots  neatly  tied  up,  and  every  one 
in  correct  order.  Every  leaf  of  the  Camellias  ought  to 
be  sponged,  and  the  plants  placed  in  a  cool  airy  expo- 
sure, shaded  from  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun.  If  the 
flower  buds  are  too  crowded,  picking  off  the  weakest 
will  preserve  the  remainder  in  greater  perfection,  and 
prevent  them  in  part  from  falling  off.  Do  not  on  any 
occasion  keep  them  in  a  room  where  there  is  much 
fire  heat,  as  the  flower  buds  will  not  expand  in  an  arid 
atmosphere.  See  Green-house  this  month  more  large- 
ly on  this  subject. 

OF  BULBOUS  ROOTS. 

Those  that  are  intended  to  flower  in  glasses,  should 
be  placed  therein  this  month  and  kept  in  a  cool  room. 
After  the  fibres  begin  to  push  a  few  shoots,  the  glasses 
may  be  taken  to  the  warmest  apartments  to  cause  them 
to  flower  early.  Bring  a  few  from  the  coldest  to  the 
warmest  every  two  weeks,  and  thus  a  succession  of 
bloom  may  be  kept  up  from  January  to  March.  Where 
the  roots  intended  for  pots  are  still  out  of  the  ground, 
the  sooner  they  are  planted  the  better.  (See  last  month 
for  directions.) 

Cape  Bulbs.  All  that  are  unplanted  and  offering  to 
grow,  should  be  put  in  pots  forthwith.  Ample  direc- 


OCTOBER.]  ROOMS— GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS.  335 

i 

tions  are  given  for  the  planting  of  these  in  the  two  pre- 
ceding months. 

Repot  Riibus  roscefolius,  or  Bramble-rose.  They 
should  have  pots  one  size  larger  than  those  they  are 
now  in.  To  make  them  flower  profusely,  when  done 
blooming  in  May,  divide  them  and  put  only  a  few  stems 
in  one  pot,  and  repot  them  in  this  month,  as  above 
directed. 

•V'  Iv-" 

GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

4| 

Any  herbaceous  plants  in  the  collection  ought  to  be 
set  aside,  and  the  water  in  part  withheld.  When  the 
stems  and  foliage  are  decayed,  the  plants  may  be  put 
in  a  cool  cellar,  where  they  will  not  be  in  danger  of 
frost,  and  be  permitted  to  remain  there  until  they 
begin  to  grow;  then  bring  them  to  the  light,  and  treat 
as  directed  for  these  kinds  of  plants.  Deciduous 
plants  may  be  treated  in  a  similar  manner. 


236 


NOVEMBER. 

The  essential  points  to  be  attended  to  in  the  Hot- 
house during  this  month,  are  fire,  air,  and  water.  The 
former  must  be  applied  according  to  the  weather,  ob- 
serving not  to  allow  the  temperature  to  be  under  fifty  de- 
grees, and  it  ought  not  to  continue  long  at  that  degree ; 
fifty-two  degrees  being  preferable.  The  shutters  should 
be  on  every  night  when  there  is  any  appearance  of  frost, 
and  taken  off  early  in  the  morning.  Admit  air  in  small 
portions  every  day  that  the  sun  has  any  effect,  and  the 
atmosphere  mild,  observing  that  the  temperature  of  the 
house  be  above  sixty  degrees  previous  to  admission. 
Shut  all  close  early  in  the  afternoon  or  when  any  sud- 
den changes  occur. 

OF  A  CISTERN  AND  WATER. 

In  ^watering  it  is  important  to  have  the  water  of  the 
same  temperature  in  this  department  as  the  roots  of 
the  plants.  To  have  this  there  are  two  kinds  of  cis- 
terns, or  tanks,  that  might  be  adopted;  one  may  be 
sunk  in  the  house  under  ground,  either  closely  plastered, 
or  lined  with  lead,  and  neatly  covered  up,  having  a 
small  perpendicular  pump  therein,  or  placed  so  that  the 
water  could  be  lifted  by  hand.  The  other  might,  where 
convenience  will  admit,  be  placed  over  the  furnace, 


Nov.]  GREEN-HOUSE— OF  AIR  AND  WATER.  337 

either  in  the  back  shed,  or  inside  of  the  house,  and  the 
water  could  be  drawn  off  this  by  a  stop-cock.  These 
can  be  supplied  in  part  with  rain  water  by  having 
spouts  round  the  house  to  lead  into  the  cisterns,  sup- 
plying any  deficiency  from  the  pump.  Thus  water  of 
a  congenial  temperature  may  always  be  at  hand,  which 
is  of  great  importance  to  the  healthful  constitution  of 
the  plants.  The  water  must  now  be  given  in  moderate 
portions,  examining  the  plants  every  day.  Be  careful 
in  watering  bulbs,  as  the  smallest  supply  is  sufficient  for 
them  at  present.  Succulents  will  require  a  little  every 
two  weeks,  except  they  are  over  the  flues,  when  they 
may  have  some  every  week. 

Constantly  clear  off  all  decayed  leaves,  and  carry 
them  out  of  the  house,  which  sweep  and  wash  clean, 
and  keep  all  in  the  neatest  order. 


NOVEMBER. 


OF  AIR  AND  WATER. 


Airing  the  house  should  be  strictly  attended  to. 
Every  day  that  there  is  no  frost  it  may  be  admitted 


•v 

338  GREEN-HOUSE— OF  BULBS,  &c.  [Nov. 

largely,  and  in  time  of  slight  frosts  in  smaller  portions, 
never  keeping  it  altogether  close  when  the  sun  has  any 
effect  on  the  interior  temperature  of  the  house,  which 
should  not  be  allowed  to  be  higher  than  fifty  degrees. 

Water  must  be  given  in  a  very  sparing  manner.  None 
of  the  plants  are  in  an  active  state  of  vegetation,  con- 
sequently it  will  be  found  that  looking  over  them  twice 
a  week  and  supplying  their  wants  will  be  sufficient. 
Succulents  will  need  a  little  once  in  three  weeks  or  a 
month.  Give  very  moderate  supplies  to  the  Amaryllis 
that  are  dormant,  and  keep  all  of  these  bulbs  in  the 
warmest  part  of  the  house. 

OF  TENDER  BULBS. 

Where  there  are  tropical  bulbs  in  the  collection,  and 
there  is  not  the  convenience  of  a  Hot-house ;  they  may 
be  very  well  preserved  by  shaking  them  clear  of  the 
soil.  Dry  them  properly,  and  place  them  in  a  box 
of  very  dry  sand,  or  moss,  which  also  must  be  perfectly 
dry,  and  put  them  in  a  situation  where  they  will  be 
clear  of  frost,  and  free  from  damp.  These  can  be 
potted  about  the  first  of  April.  Give  no  water  till  they 
begin  to  grow,  then  plant  them  in  the  garden  about 
the  middle  of  May,  when  they  will  flower  during  the 
summer  season,  if  their  age  will  permit. 

GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

If  there  are  any  of  the  half  hardy  plants  exposed, 
have  them  taken  into  the  house,  or  under  the  requisite 


•  ^    > 

VV  -#- 

Nov.]  FLOWER-GARDEN— PROTECTING  BULBS.  339 

protection,  in  frames,  pits,  cellars,  &c.  The  autumn 
flowering  Cape  bulbs  should  be  placed  near  the  glass, 
and  free  from  the  shade  of  other  plants.  Cleanliness 
through  the  whole  house  and  amongst  the  plants  ought 
at  all  times  to  be  attended  to. 


NOVEMBER. 

Wherever  there  are  any  Holland  bulbs  remaining 
unplanted,  have  them  put  in  as  soon  as  possible,  lest 
frost  should  set  in.  It  is  not  advisable  to  keep  them 
later  out  of  the  ground  than  the  beginning  of  this 
month. 


PROTECTION  OF  CHOICE  BULBS. 

On  the  appearance  of  the  severity  of  winter,  the  finer 
sorts  of  these  should  have  a  simple  protection,  not  be- 
cause they  will  not  do  without  such  care,  but  to  pre- 
vent the  alternate  thawing  and  freezing  of  the  embryo 
of  the  bulb.  To  give  them  a  covering  three  inches  deep 
of  any  of  the  following  substances,  will  do  perfectly 
well, — saw-dust  not  resinous,  old  tan  bark,  half  decayed 


42 


340  FLOWER-GARDEN— TUBEROSES,  &c.  [Nov. 

leaves,  or  very  rotten  manure.    The  last  is  preferable, 
as  it  would  in  part  enrich  the  soil. 

Anemones  and  Ranunculus  ought  to  be  protected  by  a 
frame ;  the  foliage  being  above  ground,  none  of  the 
above  will  answer.  It  is  not  necessary  that  the  frame 
should  be  covered  with  glass,  close  boards  will  answer 
perfectly,  which  must  not  be  over  them  except  during 
frost. 


TUBEROSES,  DAHLIAS,  TIGRID1AS,  AND  AMARYLLIS. 

These  tubers  and  bulbs,  as  soon  as  the  frost  has 
partly  injured  the  foliage,  should  betaken  up,  and  dried 
thoroughly,  either  in  the  sun  or  a  room  where  there 
is  fire  heat,  taking  care  at  all  times  to  keep  them  clear 
from  frost.  When  they  are  dry,  divest  them  of  their 
foliage  and  fibres.  When  perfectly  dry,  pack  them  in 
boxes  with  dry  sand,  or  moss.  Store  these  away  for 
the  winter,  either  in  a  warm  room  or  a  dry  cellar, 
where  they  will  at  all  times  be  exempt  from  frost,  the 
least  touch  of  which  would  destroy  them.  We  have 
kept  them  completely  secure  in  the  cellar. 

ERYTHRINAS. 

Where  there  are  any  plants  of  E.  herbdcea,  E.  lauri- 
folia,  or  E.  crista-galla,  which  are  intended  to  be  lifted, 
they  should  be  carefully  done  and  preserved  in  half  dry 
earth,  and  kept  beside  the  Dahlias.  We  are  not  sure 
of  the  former  agreeing  with  this  treatment,  but  certain 


Nov.]  FLOWER-GARDEN—PRIMROSES,  &c.  34  [ 

of  the  others,  which  are   magnificent  ornaments  in  the 
Flower-garden. 


PRIMROSES,  POLYANTHUS,  AND  DAISIES, 

That  were  planted  in  a  sheltered  spot,  as  directed 
last  month,  should  have  a  frame  placed  over  them,  and 
their  covering  in  readiness  for  the  approach  of  winter; 
giving  the  plants  a  light  covering  of  leaves,  which  will 
preserve  their  foliage  from  the  effects  of  frost. 


CHOICE  CARNATIONS,  PINKS,  AND  AURICULAS, 

That  are  in  pots,  should  be  placed  in  the  frame  in- 
tended for  their  abode  during  winter.  If  the  pots  are 
plunged  to  the  rims  in  tan,  half  decayed  leaves,  or  saw 
dust,  it  will  greatly  protect  their  roots  from  the  severe 
effects  of  frost.  Where  glass  is  used  for  these  frames, 
they  should  have  besides  a  covering  of  boards,  or  straw 
mats ;  those  that  are  in  beds  may  be  covered  as  above 
directed  for  Primroses,  &c. 

They  ought  not  to  be  uncovered  while  in  a  frozen 
state.  It  is  not  altogether  the  intensity  of  cold  that 
destroys  these  plants  so  much  as  the  alternate  thawing 
and  freezing. 

All  half  hardy  plants,  such  as  Wall-flower,  German 
stocks,Sweet-bay,  tender  roses,  with  several  others,  should 
be  protected  as  above  directed  for  Carnations.  Earth 
or  tan  should  be  put  round  the  outside  of  these  frames, 
which  will  be  a  partial  shelter  from  the  changing  state 
of  the  atmosphere.  Oak  leaves  answer  the  purpose 


-.# 


342      FLOWER  GARDEN—  OF  PROTECTING  PLANTS,  &c.    [Nov. 

very  well,  but  they  are  a  harbour  for  all  kinds  of  vermin, 
especially  rats  and  mice,  which  would  destroy  every 
thing.  It  may  be  useful  to  say  a  few  words  on  the  na- 
ture of  tan  or  tanner's  bark.  Many  suppose  that  the 
smallest  quantity  will  produce  heat,  If  three  or  four 
cart  loads  of  it  are  put  into  one  heap,  and  protected 
from  the  rain,  it  will  ferment  ;  and  when  the  first  fer- 
mentation is  abated,  by  mixing  it  with  leaves,  a  sub- 
stantial hot-bed  may  be  made.  Or  put  it  by  itself  into 
a  pit,  and  where  there  is  no  pit,  boards  may  be  substi- 
tuted to  keep  it  together;  either  of  these  methods  will 
produce  a  lasting  heat.  But  in  small  quantities  and 
exposed  to  rain,  &c.  no  heat  will  be  produced,  but  rather 
the  contrary.  It  is  excellent  when  dry  in  keeping  out 
frost  from  any  plants,  being  a  body  not  easily  penetra- 
ted, similar  to  dry  sand,  saw-dust,  or  dry  leaves.  Fre- 
quently the  same  opinion  is  held  in  regard  to  stable 
manure,  small  portions  of  which  will  never  produce 
heat. 


OF  PROTECTING  PLANTS  IN  THE  GARDEN. 

During  this  or  next  month,  according  to  the  state  of 
the  season,  protect  all  the  plants  that  are  in  the  ground, 
which  are  not  completely  hardy.  To  avoid  repetition, 
these  will  be  designated  in  the  general  list.  The  co- 
verings may  be  straw,  Russia  mats,  canvass,  boxes  or 
barrels.  The  two  latter  must  be  perforated  in  the  top, 
to  let  the  damp  air  pass  off,  or  the  plant  would  become 
musty,  or  finally  mortify.  Those  covered  with  straw 
or  mats  should  have  small  stakes  placed  round  the 


Nov.]         FLOWER  GARDEN— PROTECTING  BULBS,  &c.  343 

plants,  and  covering  tied  thereto,  and  remain  so  until 
the  month  of  March  or  first  of  April.  Herbaceous 
plants  that  are  tender,  may  be  covered  with  three  or 
four  inches  of  tan,  saw-dust,  or  half  decayed  leaves, 
which  will  tend  greatly  to  preserve  their  roots.  These 
coverings  must  be  carefully  removed  on  the  first  open- 
ing of  spring.  The  shrubs  that  are  otherwise  covered 
would  be  greatly  benefited  by  having  their  roots  pro- 
tected in  a  similar  manner  as  directed  for  herbaceous 
plants. 

PROTECTION  OF  SEEDLING  BULBS, 

If  any  seeds  of  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Fritillaria,  were 
sown  in  pots  or  boxes,  let  them  be  removed  to  a  dry 
sheltered  situation,  and  plunged  level  with  the  ground ; 
or  fill  the  spaces  between  them  with  dry  leaves  or  tan- 
ner's bark,  and  cover  the  whole  with  new  fallen  leaves, 
laying  over  all  a  few  boards  to  prevent  the  wind  blow- 
ing them  off.  These  form  better  coverings  than  straw 
or  haulm,  which  is  liable  to  become  musty,  and  commu- 
nicate the  effect  to  the  roots.  The  above  covering  is 
not  required  until  the  approach  of  severe  frost. 

OF  PLANTING  DECIDUOUS  TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 

It  is  not  recommendable  to  make  a  general  planting 
of  these  at  this  period  of  the  year ;  the  success  entire- 
ly depending  on  the  nature  of  the  season  and  the  state 
of  the  soil.  If  any  are  planted,  let  them  be  those  of 
the  hardiest  nature,  and  in  light  and  absorbent  soil, 


344       FLOWER-GARDEN— GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS.         [Nov. 

not  subject  to  be  stagnated  or  over-flooded  during  win- 
ter. When  this  and  next  month  are  mild,  autumn 
plantings  are  frequently  as  sure  as  those  of  the  spring. 
But  the  precarious  state  of  the  seasons  is  not  to  be 
depended  upon,  therefore  avoid  large  plantings  of  any 
kind,  and  more  especially  of  delicate  roses,  the  roots 
of  which  are  apt  to  rot  off  except  they  have  been  pre- 
viously grown  in  pots.  Nothing  can  be  more  injurious 
to  a  plant  at  this  season  particularly,  than  to  bed  its 
roots  in  mortar,  by  which  the  tender  fibres  either  perish 
or  are  cramped  ever  afterwards.  The  soil  at  time  of 
planting  should  be  so  friable  as  not  to  adhere  to  the 
spade,  which  is  a  good  rule  in  planting  at  any  season, 
or  in  any  soil. 

GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Carry  out  of  the  garden  all  decayed  leaves  and  litter 
of  every  description,  cutting  down  any  weeds  that  re- 
main. Collect  all  the  stakes  and  rods  that  have  been 
supporting  plants ;  tie  them  up  in  bundles  for  the  use 
of  next  year,  and  put  them  under  cover.  Look  over 
every  part  of  the  garden,  and  see  that  nothing  has 
been  omitted  in  the  way  of  covering  or  other  protec- 
tion. The  sashes  that  are  to  be  used  on  the  frames 
should  be  perfectly  whole,  every  interstice  in  the  glass 
puttied,  and  all  ready  for  use  when  occasion  may  re- 
quire. Attend  to  all  plants  in  pots,  and  give  them  gen- 
tle waterings  as  they  stand  in  need  ;  but  never  during 
the  time  the  soil  is  frozen  about  their  roots. 


345 


NOVEMBER. 


GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

The  remarks  and  instructions  that  are  given  last 
month  for  these  apartments  will  equally  answer  here. 
Where  the  Dutch  bulbs  were  omitted  to  be  placed  in 
glasses,  they  ought  not  to  be  longer  delayed.  A  few 
pots  of  those  that  were  planted  in  September  may  be 
placed  in  a  warmer  situation.  If  they  were  plunged  in 
the  ground,  the  roots  will  be  strongly  fibred,  and  will 
produce  large  flowers,  providing  the  bulbs  are  of  a  good 
sort. 

Oxdlis.  The  autumn  flowering  species  will  now  be 
in  bloom,  and  must  be  kept  in  the  sun  to  make  them 
expand  freely.  The  neglect  of  this  is  the  principal  rea- 
son that  these  plants  do  not  flower  perfectly  in  Rooms. 

Camellias.  These  plants,  where  there  is  a  collection, 
flower  from  this  period  to  April ;  and  the  general  de- 
sire to  be  fully  acquainted  with  the  method  of  their 
culture  has  induced  us  to  be  liberal  in  our  observations 
on  every  point  and  period  through  the  various  stages 
of  their  growth  and  flowering.  We  will  here  only  re- 
mind the  enquirer,  that  a  pure  air,  a  damp  atmosphere, 
and  giving  the  plants  frequent  sprinklings,  are  the  pre- 


346  ROOMS—GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS,  [Nov. 

sent  necessities,  which  only  are  conducive  to  their  per- 
fection. 

Attend  to  the  turning  of  Geraniums  and  other  rapid 
growing  plants,  that  all  sides  of  them  may  have  an 
equal  share  of  light. 

P 


337 


*v*  • 

DECEMBER. 

The  uncertainty  of  the  weather  in  this  month  requires 
the  operator  to  be  constantly  on  guard,  to  ward  off 
danger,  either  from  frost,  snow,  or  cutting  winds.  The 
temperature  observed  last  month  must  be  continued, 
but  not  exceeded,  which  would  cause  premature  vege- 
tation, of  which  the  result  and  effects  have  already 
been  frequently  observed.  Always  kindle  the  fires  in 
time,  to  prevent  the  heat  from  being  lower  than  what 
has  been  mentioned,  lest  a  severe  frost  should  take, 
as  then  a  considerable  lapse  ensues  before  the  fire 
has  any  effect,  and  if  the  wind  blows  high,  the  result 
might  be  injurious,  unless  the  house  be  very  close. 

OF  SHUTTERS. 

The  benefit  of  these  in  severe  weather  is  of  materi- 
al service,  for  the  preservation  of  an  even  temperature 
in  the  house  during  the  night,  when  changes  are  not 
observed,  but  they  ought  never  to  remain  on  through 
the  day  when  the  fire  can  be  properly  attended  to.  If 
the  front  and  the  lowest  sash  of  the  roof  are  covered 
with  these,  it  is  generally  sufficient.  They  should  be 
made  of  half  inch  boards,  closely  grooved  together, 
having  a  cross  bar  in  the  centre,  and  one  at  each  end 
with  one  at  each  side,  which  will  make  them  substan- 
43 


338  HOT-HOUSE— OF  SHUTTERS,  &c.  [DEC. 

tial.  If  they  are  frequently  painted  with  care,  they  will 
last  many  years.  No  snow  ought  to  be  allowed  to  lay 
on  these  while  they  are  on  the  glass,  for  reasons  that 
we  have  assigned.  See  January  and  February. 

Some  adopt  double  panes  of  glass  to  supersede  the 
use  of  shutters,  which  they  think  are  attended  with  con- 
siderable labour,  (at  the  most  only  ten  minutes  ?a  day 
while  in  use.)  The  sash  frame  is  made  a  little  deeper, 
so  as  to  allow  half  an  inch  between  the  panes  of  glass. 
The  one  is  glazed  from  the  out  and  the  other  from  the 
inside.  It  appears  to  answer  the  purpose  tolerably  well, 
but  the  glass  must  be  both  fine  and  even  in  the  surface, 
lest  a  lens  should  be  produced,  and  cause  a  focus,  which 
would  evidently  hurt  some  part  of  the  plants.  We  are 
almost  confident  that  we  have  seen  this  effect  in  some 
instances.  There  must  be  a  small  hole  about  an  eighth 
of  an  inch  in  both  ends  of  each  row  of  glass  to  allow  a 
current  to  dry  up  the  moisture  that  may  arise. 


OF  PLACING  BULBS,  &c.  IN  THE  HOT-HOUSE. 

If  any  Hyacinths  or  other  Dutch  roots  are  wanted  to 
flower  early,  a  few  of  them  may  be  put  in  the  Hot-house 
near  the  front  glass,  which  will  greatly  tend  to  forward 
their  time  of  flowering.  By  having  some  brought  in 
every  two  weeks,  a  continued  succession  of  frloom  will 
be  kept  up. 

Calceolarias.  Two  or  three  plants  of  the  fine  bloom- 
ing kinds  may  be  placed  in  this  department,  towards 
the  end  of  the  month.  Divide  the  roots  as  soon  as  they 
begin  to  grow,  leaving  only  one  stem  to  each  root, 


Die.]  HOT-HOUSE— GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS.  339 

which  put  in  a  four  inch  pot,  enlarging  it  as  soon  as  the 
roots  extend  to  the  outside  of  the  ball,  that  by  the  month 
of  May  they  may  be  in  seven  or  eight  inch  pots,  in  which 
they  will  flower  superbly.  Give  Alstr&merias  the  same 
treatment. 

GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

If  there  is  a  tan  bed  in  the  house,  and  it  was  renewed 
in  September,  the  pots  should  now  be  plunged  therein. 
The  violent  heat  will  partly  be  over,  and  the  plants  are 
not  so  liable  to  suffer  at  root  in  this  as  last  month.  It 
will  in  part  prevent  the  plants  from  being  affected  by 
sudden  changes  of  temperature.  Be  attentive  in  keep- 
ing all  insects  completely  under.  This  is  the  period 
that  these  are  most  neglected,  but  by  attending  to  the 
modes  of  their  destruction,  as  already  given,  no  species 
of  them  will  either  be  hurtful  or  unsightly.  Syringe  the 
plants  about  twice  a  week,  and  always  remember  that 
decayed  leaves  or  litter  of  any  description  do  not  beau- 
tify healthy  plants,  neither  do  they  form  a  part  of  a  well 
kept  Hot-house. 


• 


340 


DECEMBER. 

.%   • 

The  weather  may  probably  be  now  severe,  and  it  is 
at  all  times  advisable  to  keep  the  temperature  as  steady 
and  regular  as  possible.  The  thermometer  should  be 
kept  in  the  centre  of  the  house,  and  free  from  the  ef- 
fects of  reflection.  As  noticed  last  month,  sun  heat 
may  be  as  high  as  50°  in  the  house,  and  would  not  be 
hurtful,  but  it  should  not  continue  so  for  any  consider- 
able time  without  admission  of  air.  The  fire  heat 
should  not  exceed  43°,  and  never  be  below  33°.  It 
ought  not  to  continue  at  that  point — 36°  is  the  lowest 
for  a  continuation  that  with  safety  can  be  practised. 
So  that  no  error  may  occur,  the  temperature  ought  to 
be  known  in  the  coolest  and  warmest  part  of  the  house, 
and  the  variation  remembered.  Then  whatever  part 
of  the  house  the  thermometer  is  placed,  a  true  calcula- 
tion of  the  heat  of  the  whole  interior  can  be  made. 
We  would  recommend  to  the  inexperienced  to  keep 
the  thermometer  in  the  coldest  part  of  the  house.  A 
Green-house  compactly  and  closely  built,  and  the  glass 
all  covered  with  shutters,  (which  no  house  ought  to  be 
constructed  without,)  will  seldom  require  artificial  heat; 
but  by  being  long  kept  close,  the  damp  will  increase. 
In  such  case  give  a  little  fire  heat,  and  admit  air  to 
purify  the  house.  In  fresh  mild  weather,  give  liberal 


DEC.]  GREEN-HOUSE—BULBOUS  ROOTS.  341 

portions  of  air  all  over  the  house ;.  and  though  there 
is  a  little  frost,  while  mild,  and  the  sun  shining,  the 
plants  will  be  benefited  by  a  small  portion  of  air  for 
the  space  of  an  hour,  or  even  for  half  of  that  time. 

Whatever  state  the  weather  may  be  through  the 
winter,  never  keep  the  house  long  shut  up.  Thirty-six 
hours,  or  at  most  sixty,  should  be  the  longest  time  at 
once ;  rather  give  a  little  fire  heat. 

We  are  no  advocates  for  keeping  plants  long  in 
darkness,  and  never  think  that  our  plants  are  receiving 
justice,  if  kept  longer  in  darkness  than  two  nights  and 
one  day. 

Respecting  watering  and  other  necessary  operations, 
see  next  month  particularly. 

BULBOUS  ROOTS. 

Those  that  were  plunged  in  the  garden,  if  not  lifted 
and  brought  under  cover,  should  now  be  done  without 
delay.  Clean  the  pots,  and  stir  up  the  surface  of  the 
soil.  Hyacinths  grow  neatest  by  being  kept  very  close 
to  the  top  glass ;  the  flower  stems  are  thereby  stronger 
and  shorter.  Water  moderately  until  they  begin  to 
grow  freely. 


342 


DECEMBER. 


GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Having  in  the  preceding  month,  under  this  head, 
given  details  for  the  protection  of  plants  of  a  delicate 
nature,  and  the  forwarding  of  necessary  work,  only  a  few 
remarks  remain  to  be  added.  If  there  is  any  part  there- 
in described  omitted,  have  it  done  forthwith;  every  day 
increases  the  danger  of  the  effects  of  frost.  If  there 
is  a  doubt  of  any  plants  not  standing  without  protec- 
tion which  are  generally  considered  perfectly  hardy, 
such  as  Champney,  Grevittii,  Noisette,  and  similar 
roses,  tie  straw  or  mats  three  or  four  feet  up  the  stems 
of  such,  which  will  prevent  all  risk.*  For  valuable 
plants  that  are  on  walls,  and  in  danger  of  being  entire- 
ly destroyed,  it  is  advisable  to  be  at  the  expense  of  hav- 
ing a  frame  made  to  answer  them,  and  cover  the  same 
with  oil-cloth.  The  frame  thus  covered  could  be  taken 
off  in  mild  weather,  and  replaced  again  when  necessary, 
causing  very  little  trouble;  and  if  properly  taken  care  of, 
would  last  many  years.  Coverings  of  any  construction 
and  of  the  same  material  would  answer  for  any  part  of 
the  garden,  and  are  the  best  in  our  opinion  that  could 
be  adopted. 

*  In  the  winter  of  1831-1832,  some  of  these  roses  were  cut  to  the  ground, 
where  strong  plants  of  Lagerstrcemia  indica  received  not  the  smallest  injury. 


343 


DECEMBER. 

As  the  trying  season  is  now  approaching  for  all 
plants  that  are  kept  in  rooms,  especially  those  that  are 
desired  to  have  a  flourishing  aspect  through  the  win- 
ter, a  few  general  instructions  (although  they  may  have 
been  previously  advanced)  will  perhaps  be  desirable  to 
all  those  who  are  engaged  in  this  interesting  occupa 
tion,  which  forms  a  luxury  through  the  retired  hours  of 
a  winter  season,  and  with  very  little  attention  many  are 
the  beauties  of  vegetative  nature  that  will  be  developed 
to  the  gratification  of  every  reflecting  mind.  The  fol- 
lowing is  a  routine  of  every  day  culture. 

Do  not  at  any  time  admit  air  (except  for  a  few  mo- 
ments) while  the  thermometer  is  below  32°  exposed  in 
the  shade. 

In  time  of  very  severe  frosts  the  plants  ought  to  be 
withdrawn  from  the  window  to  the  centre  of  the  room 
during  night. 

Never  give  water  until  the  soil  in  the  pots  is  inclin- 
ing to  become  dry,  except  for  Hyacinths  and  other 
Dutch  bulbs  that  are  in  a  growing  state,  which  must 
be  liberally  supplied. 

Destroy  all  insects  as  soon  as  they  appear ;  for  means 
of  destruction  see  next  month. 

Give  a  little  air  every  favourable  opportunity,  (that 
s,  when  the  thermometer  is  above  33°  exposed  in  the 


344  ROOMS.  [DEC. 

shade,)  by  putting  up  the  window  one,  two  or  three 
inches,  according  to  the  state  of  the  weather. 

Clean  the  foliage  with  sponge  and  water  frequently 
to  remove  all  dust,  &c.  The  water  thus  used  must  not 
exceed  96°  or  blood-heat,  but  60°  is  preferable. 

Turn  the  plants  frequently  to  prevent  them  growing 
to  one  side. 

Roses  of  the  daily  sort  may  be  obtained  early  by  hav- 
ing them  in  a  warm  room,  that  has  a  south  window, 
and  as  soon  as  they  begin  to  grow,  admit  air  in  small 
portions  about  noon  every  day  that  the  sun  has  any 
effect.  Such  must  be  well  supplied  with  water. 

Camellias,  when  in  bud  and  flower,  should  never  be 
allowed  to  become  the  least  dry,  neither  confined  from 
fresh  air.  The  effects  would  be  that  the  buds  would 
become  stinted,  dry,  and  drop  off.  Therefore,  to  have 
these  in  perfection,  attend  strictly  to  watering.  Give 
frequent  airings,  and  wash  the  leaves  once  in  two  weeks 
with  water.  Never  keep  them  above  one  day  in  a 
room,  where  there  is  a  strong  coal  fire,  and  not 
above  two  days  where  wood  is  used  as  fuel.  The 
most  of  Camellias  will  bear  3°  of  frost  without  the 
smallest  injury,  so  that  they  are  easier  kept  than  Gera- 
niums, except  when  they  are  in  bloom.  In  that  state 
frost  will  destroy  the  flowers.  The  air  of  a  close  cellar 
is  destruction  to  the  buds. 

Bulbs  in  glasses  must  be  supplied  with  fresh  water 
once  a  week,  in  which  period  they  will  inhale  all  the 
nutritive  gas  that  they  derive  from  that  element,  if  they 
are  in  a  growing  state. 


•    * 


345 


ON  THE  CONSTRUCTION  OF  A  HOT-HOUSE. 

There  have  been  many  plans  devised  and  visionary 
projects  offered  to  the  public  as  the  best  for  a  well  re- 
gulated Hot-house.  As  we  intend  forming  one  for  prac- 
tical purposes,  we  shall  adopt  a  convenient  size,  have 
flues  for  the  conveyance  of  heat,  and  coal  or  wood  for 
fuel. 

Site  and  Aspect. — The  house  should  stand  on  a  situa- 
tion naturally  dry,  and  if  possible  sheltered  from  the 
north  west,  and  clear  from  all  shade  on  the  south,  east 
and  west,  so  that  the  sun  may  at  all  times  act  effectu- 
ally upon  the  house.  The  standard  principle  as  to 
aspect  is  to  set  the  front  directly  to  the  south.  Any 
deviation  from  that  point  should  incline  to  east. 

Dimensions. — The  length  may  be  from  ten  feet  up- 
wards ;  but  if  beyond  thirty  feet,  the  number  of  fires  and 
flues  are  multiplied.  The  medium  width  is  from  twelve 
to  sixteen  feet.  Our  directions  will  apply  to  the  two 
extreme  points,  viz.  thirty  feet  by  sixteen,  and  in  height 
at  back  from  twelve  to  eighteen  feet ;  the  height  in 
front  six  feet,  including  about  three  feet  in  brick  base- 
ment to  support  the  front  glass,  which  will  be  two  and 
a  half  feet,  allowing  six  inches  for  frame  work. 

Furnace  and  Flues. — It  is  of  great  importance  to  have 
these  erected  in  such  a  manner  as  will  effectually  heat 
the  house.  The  greatest  difficulty  is  to  have  the  fur- 
nace to  draw  well.  As  workmen  are  not  generally 
conversant  on  the  subject,  nor  yet  understand  the  effect 

44 


346  ON  THE  CONSTRUCTION  OF  A  HOT-HOUSE. 

or  distribution  of  heat  in  these  departments,  we  will 
give  minute  details  on  their  construction.  The  furnace 
should  be  outside  of  the  house,  either  at  back  or  end  ; 
the  former  is   preferable,  circumstances  not  always 
allowing  it  on  the  other  plan.   Dig  out  the  furnace  hole, 
or  what  is  termed  stock  hole,  about  five  feet  deep.  Let 
the  door  of  the  furnace  be  in  the  back  wall  of  the 
bouse,  thereby  having  all  the  heated  building  inside, 
that  no  heat  may  be  lost.     The  brick  work  round 
the  furnace  should  be  from  fifteen  to  eighteen  inches 
thick,  laying  the  inside  with  fire-brick.     The  furnace 
will  require  to  be  two  and  a  half  feet  long,  ten  inches 
wide,  and  one  foot  high,  before  the  spring  of  the  arch 
and  clear  of  the  bars ;  leave  one  foot  for  an  ash  pit, 
then  lay  the  bars.     They  should  be  sixteen  inches  long, 
one  inch  broad  on  the  upper  side,  two  inches  deep,  and 
two  eighths  broad  on  the  lower  side,  and  with  the  door 
and  frame  should  be  cast  iron.     Half  an  inch  between 
each  bar  will  be  sufficient.  The  flue  should  rise  from  the 
furnace  by  a  steep  declivity  of  about  two  feet,  and  pass 
the  door  of  the  house  (without  a  dip),  when  it  must  be 
elevated  above  the  level  of  the  floor  of  the  house  along 
the  front,  and  at  the  opposite  end  of  the  house  must 
dip  to  pass  the  door.     The  dip  must  not  be  lower  than 
the  top  of  the  furnace,  and  should  be  of  a  concave 
form,  (avoiding  acute  angles.)   Lead  it  along  the  back 
to  enter  the  wall  over  the  furnace.    When  thus  taken 
round  the  house,  the   heat  will  be  expanded  before  it 
passes  off,     The  inside  of  the  flues  should  be  about  six 
inches  wide  and  eight  inches  deep ;  plaster  the  bottom 
of  it,  but  no  other  part,  as  plaster  is  partially  anon-con- 


ON.  THE  CONSTRUCTION  OF  A  HOT-HOUSE.  347 

ductor.  The  above  description  is  for  burning  anthra- 
cite coal,  but  where  wood  is  to  be  the  fuel,  the  furnace 
and  flues  must  be  one  half  larger.  We  have  been  par- 
ticular in  the  description  of  furnace  bars,  as  those  ge- 
nerally used  are  miserable  substitutes.  Circumstances 
may  cause  the  furnace  to  be  placed  at  the  end  or  front 
of  the  house.  In  either  case  the  stock  hole  will  not  re- 
quire to  be  so  deep ;  or  where  there  is  only  one  door  in 
the  house  a  stock  hole  three  and  a  half  feet  deep  will 
be  enough,  which  should  be  built  like  a  cellar  to  keep 
out  any  under  water.  In  all  instances  pass  the  first  flue 
to  the  front  of  the  house,  over  which  have  a  close  shelf 
eight  inches  clear,  covered  with  two  inches  of  sand, 
and  by  keeping  it  moist  will  afford  a  very  congenial 
heat  to  young  valuable  plants.  Likewise  over  the  fur* 
nace  have  a  frame  in  the  same  manner,  which  will  be 
found  valuable.  Any  part  of  the  furnace  or  flue  that 
is  under  the  floor  of  the  house,  should  have  a  vacuity  on 
both  sides  to  let  the  heat  pass  upward. 

Bark  Pit. — We  consider  such  an  erection  in  the 
centre  of  a  Hot-house  a  nuisance,  and  prefer  a  stage, 
which  may  be  constructed  according  to  taste.  It 
should  be  made  of  the  best  Carolina  pine,  leaving  a 
passage  round  the  whole  to  cause  a  free  circulation  of 
air.  The  back  and  end  paths  should  be  about  two 
feet  wide,  and  the  front  three  feet.  The  angle  of  the 
stage  should  be  parallel  with  the  glass,  having  the 
steps  from  six  inches  to  one  foot  apart. 

Where  there  are  some  large  plants,  they  may  stand 
on  the  floor  behind  the  stage,  or  on  tressels,  according 
to  their  height. 


348  ON  THE  CONSTRUCTION  OF  A  HOT-HOUSE. 

Jingle  of  the  glazed  roof. — The  pitch  of  the  roof  is 
usually  varied  to  agree  with  the  design  of  the  house, 
and  the  size  of  the  plants  to  be  grown  therein.  Where 
pleasure  and  ornament  are  the  principal  objects,  the 
angle  should  be  about  43°,  but  a  few  degrees  of  in- 
clination either  way  is  of  minor  importance,  the  height 
and  elevation  being  regulated  by  the  size  of  the  plants 
intended  to  be  cultivated.  It  is  not  advisable  to  shingle 
any  part  of  the  roof  on  the  south  aspect. 

Materials  for  glazed  frames. — Carolina  pine  is  the 
best  material  for  the  wood  work,  as  it  is  not  so  subject 
to  decay  from  moisture  and  heat  as  the  other  kinds  of 
pine  wood.  The  frames  or  sashes  can  be  of  any  con- 
venient length,  not  exceeding  ten  feet,  and  about  three 
and  a  half  or  four  feet  wide,  divided  so  as  they  can  be 
glazed  with  glass  six  inches  wide. 

Of  glazing.  The  pieces  of  glass  should  not  exceed 
six  inches  by  ten,  the  lappings  about  one  quarter  of  an 
inch.  The  frames  ought  to  have  one  coat  of  paint 
previous  to  glazing,  and  all  under  the  glass  puttied. 
Some  prefer  the  lappings  to  be  puttied  also.  It  is  our 
opinion  that  in  a  Hot-house  these  should  not  be  puttied, 
but  in  the  Green-house  the  closer  they  can  be  made 
the  better. 

Of  Shutters. — These  should  be  made  of  half  inch 
white  pine,  and  bound  on  both  ends  and  sides,  having 
a  cross  piece  in  the  middle  of  the  same.  They  ought 
to  be  painted  once  in  three  years. 


*  * 
* 


349 


ON  THE  CONSTRUCTION  OF  A  GREEN-HOUSE. 

In  many  respects,  the  construction  of  the  Green- 
house will  be  the  same  as  the  Hot-house,  but  might 
be  made  much  more  an  ornamental  object,  and  could 
be  erected  contiguous  to  the  mansion-house,  with  large 
folding  doors  to  open  at  pleasure,  and  be  connected 
with  the  drawing-room  or  parlour.  The  extent  may 
vary  according  to  the  collection  to  be  cultivated. 

It  was  formerly  the  practice  to  build  these  houses 
with  glass  only  in  front,  and  even  to  introduce  between 
the  windows  strong  piers  of  brick  or  stone  :  but  this  is 
now  abolished,  and  has  given  way  to  a  light  and  orna- 
mental style,  by  which  cheerfulness  and  the  desired 
utility  are  better  consulted.  There  should  be  conveni- 
ences in  the  back  part  of  the  house,  that  a  free  current 
of  air  may  be  obtained  whenever  desired,  which  is  an 
essential  point.  Two  or  three  dark  windows  will  an- 
swer the  purpose  well,  if  made  to  open  and  shut  at 
pleasure. 


ON  LAYING  OUT  A  FLOWER-GARDEN. 

Soil,  situation,  and  ground — Plan. — A  soil  of  common 
good  qualities,  moderately  light  and  mellow,  will  grow 
most  of  the  hardy  herbaceous  flowers,  and  the  ever- 


350  ON  LAYING  OUT  A  FLOWER-GARDEN. 

green  and  deciduous  ornamental  shrubs.  The  situa- 
tion should  not  be  so  low  as  to  be  damp  and  wet,  or 
liable  to  be  inundated,  neither  so  high  as  to  be  scorch- 
ed or  dried  up  by  the  sun.  The  surface  should  be 
level  or  moderately  sloping,  and  if  unequal,  parts  of 
it  may  be  transposed,  so  as  to  make  gentle  inclinations. 
In  regard  to  form,  it  may  be  of  any  shape,  and  must  be 
often  adapted  to  local  circumstances ;  but  if  it  is  so 
circumscribed  that  the  eye  can  at  once  embrace  the 
whole,  it  is  desirable  that  it  should  be  of  some  regular 
figure. 

Of  Fences. — Where  domestic  buildings  do  not  serve 
as  a  boundary,  either  paling  or  hedge-fence  has  to  be 
resorted  to:  we  would  prefer  the  former  on  the  north 
or  north-west  side,  which  is  of  great  advantage  as  a 
screen  from  cutting  winds.  For  hedge-fences  and  their 
kinds,  see  page  210.  The  exotic  observed  there  is 
Thuja  orientalis,  Chinese  Arbor-vitae.  The  internal 
fences  for  shade  or  shelter  to  particular  compartments,. 
or  to  afford  a  diversity  of  aspect,  may  be  made  of  Sweet- 
briar,  hardy  China  roses,  Pyrus,  red  and  white,  with  a  few 
others  of  a  similar  nature,  all  of  which  must  be  attend- 
ed to,  to  have  them  in  neat  order. 

Style  of  dividing  the  Ground. — This  may  vary  with  the 
extent  of  the  ground,  and  the  object  of  the  cultivator. 

The  principal  designs  may  be  delineated,  but  one  to 
answer  every  view  and  situation,  we  pretend  not  to 
give.  In  the  first  place,  carry  a  boundary  walk  all 
round  the  garden,  on  one  or  two  sides  of  which  it  may 
be  straight,  the  others  winding.  The  intersecting  walks 
should  (almost  imperceptibly)  lead  to  a  centre,  but  not 


ON  LAYING  OUT  A  FLOWER  GARDEN.  35  J 

to  cross  at  right  angles,  or  to  have  parallel  lines,  as  it 
divided  or  laid  down  by  a  mathematical  scale,  which  is 
too  formal  for  the  diversification  of  nature.  All 
walks  through  these  pleasure  departments  should  be 
winding  and  enlivening,  not  continuing  any  length  in 
one  direction.*  The  continuous  view  of  a  straight 
walk  is  dull  and  monotonous.  The  divisions  should  be 
highest  about  the  centre,  that  whatever  is  planted 
therein  may  have  effect ;  and  to  make  a  Flower-garden 
fully  interesting,  and  render  it  a  source  of  natural  infor- 
mation, where  free  scope  might  at  all  times  be  afforded 
to  employ  the  leisure  hours  in  mental  improvement, 
there  should  be  a  good  system  of  arrangement  adopted. 
The  Linnean  system  is  the  most  easily  acquired.  A 
small  compartment  laid  out  in  beds  might  contain 
plants  of  all  the  twenty-four  classes,  and  a  few  of  all  the 
hardy  orders,  which  do  not  exceed  one  hundred.  Or  to 
have  their  natural  characters  more  assimilated,  the 
Jussieuean  system  could  be  carried  into  effect  by  laying 
down  a  grass  plat,  to  any  extent  above  one  quarter  of 
an  acre,  and  cut  therein  small  figures  to  contain  the 
natural  families,  which  of  hardy  plants  we  do  not  sup- 
pose would  exceed  one  hundred  and  fifty.  The  diffi- 
culties of  this  arrangement  are,  that  many  of  the  cha- 
racters are  imperfectly  known  even  to  the  most 
scientific.  Mr.  John  Lindley  has  given  additional  light 
on  the  subject  by  his  last  publication.  All  the  large 
divisions  should  be  intersected  by  small  allies,  or  paths, 

*  Since  writing  the  above  we  have  seen  the  Flower-garden  of  J.  B.  Smith,  Esq. 
and  consider  it  a  beautiful  specimen,  finely  illustrating  the  taste  of  that  gentle- 


352  ON  LAYING  OUT  A  FLOWER-GARDEN. 

about  one  and  a  half  or  two  feet  wide.  These  may  be 
at  right  angles,  or  parallel,  for  convenience  and  order, 
in  making  beds,  &c.  for  the  various  Dutch  roots  and 
other  flowers.  Patches  or  plats  of  grass  studded  with 
shrubs,  deciduous  and  evergreen,  are  indispensable, 
and  perhaps  one  or  two  grass  walks. 

Of  Walks. — These  should  have  five  or  six  inches  of 
lime  and  brick  rubbish,  or  broken  stone  in  the  bottom, 
covered  with  small  pebbles,  and  firmly  rolled  with  a  heavy 
roller,  over  which  lay  two  or  three  inches  of  fine  gravel, 
giving  the  whole  a  complete  rolling.  Walks  made  on 
this  method  will  stand  well,  and  be  always  dry  and 
firm.  With  regard  to  breadth,  they  must  be  made  ac- 
cording to  the  extent  of  ground,  and  vary  from  three 
to  thirty  feet ;  from  four  to  eight  feet  is  generally 
adopted. 


Plants  described  or  mentioned  in  this  Work. 


Linnsean  Name.  English  Name. 
AC'ACIA  61,  219. 

1  mtillis,  downy, 

glaucescens,  glaucescent. 

verticilata,  whorl-leaved, 

florabunda,  many-flowered, 

diffusa,  spreading. 
prostrata. 

armata,  armed, 

var.  pendula,  weeping, 

verniciflua,  varnished, 

deciirrens,  decurrent. 

piibescens,  hairy-stemmed, 

leucolobia,  white-podded. 
dealbala. 

decipiens,         .  paradoxical, 

fragrans,  scented, 

pulchella,  neat, 

lophdntha,  two-spiked. 
Mimosa  elegans. 

myrtifolia,  myrtle-leaved. 

Catechu,  Catechu, 

vera,  true. 

Ardbica,  Arabian. 
ANNESI/EIA  219. 

1  Houstdni,  Houston's. 
Acacia  Houstoni. 

grandiflora,  large-flowered. 
AcAcia  grandiflora. 
ACMADXENIA  86. 

6  Idvigata,  smooth. 

piingens,  pungent. 

tetragy'nia,  four-sided. 
AGATHOSMA  86. 

6  accuminata,       taper-pointed. 

hy'brida,  hybrid. 

Thunbergiana,      Thunberges. 

imbricata,  imbricated. 

prolifera,  proliferous. 

patula,  spreading. 

pulchella,  pretty. 

ciliata,  profuse-flowering. 
ADENA'NDRA  86. 

6  speciosa,  large-flowered. 

umbellata,  umbel-flowered. 

alba,  white-flowered. 

fragrans,  sweet-scented. 

uniflora,  one-flowered.    • 

ANEM6NE 134.  Wind-flower. 

15  palmata  pleno,  double-yellow. 

stellata  versicolor,  various. 

pavonlna  pleno,    scarlet. 

narcissiflora,        narcissus-flowered. 

Halleri,  Haller'a. 

45 


Linneean  Name.  English  Name, 

alpine,  alpine, 

nemorosa  pleno,  double-leaved, 

thalictroides "  common-double. 
AM6MUM  36. 
ATRA'GENE  196. 

alpina,  alpine. 
A'PICRA  260. 
AMARY'LLIS  260,  271,  274. 

11  striatifolia,  stripe-leaved. 

Jonsorii,  Johnson's, 

regina,  Mexican-lily, 

vittata,  striped, 

fiilgida,  fulged. 

aulica,  crowned, 

psittdcina,  parrot. 

"  Cowbergia,  Cowberges'. 
"  pulverulenta,  powdered. 

Griffini,  Griffin's, 

formosa,  large. 
ANTIRRHINUM  134,  Snap-dragon, 

majus,  large. 

m6lte,  soft. 

Siculum,  Sicilian. 
ASCLEVPIAS  134, 321,  Silk-flower, 

tuberosa,  tuberous, 

rubra,  red. 

nivea,  white, 

purpurascens,  purple-coloured, 

incarnata,  fleshy-coloured. 

ACONI'TUM  134,  Wolfe's-bane. 

speciosum,  showy, 

anthora,  wholesome, 

neurbergensis,  Syria, 

amce'num,  pretty, 

napellus,  monk's-hood, 

veniistum,  beautiful, 

zobctonum,  beast-bane, 

pyramiddle,  pyramidal, 

lycoctonum  great-yellow, 

album,  white, 

versicolor,  three-coloured. 
A'LOE  219,  271. 

10  vulgaris,  common. 

Barbade"nsis,  Barbadoes. 

obliqua,  oblique. 

dich6toma,  smooth-stemmed, 
lineata,  red-edged. 

ADO'NIS  134. 

verndlis,  spring. 
ARISTE'A  125. 

5  cyanea,  blue. 

ALSTROM^RIA  18,  57,  229,  839. 


354 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


10  fl6s-martma,     san-martin. 

pelegrina,  spotted. 

pulche"lla,  pretty. 

atro-purpurea,      dark. 
AGROSTE'MMA  143. 

flos-cucula,  ragged-robin. 

Lychnis  Jlos-cucula. 
ARAUC^ARIA  261. 

12  excelsa,  Norfork-Island-pine. 

imbricala,  Chile-pine. 

AFHE'LEXIS  88. 

5  hiimilis,  dwarf. 
Elichr~ysum  specldbile. 

AM^RPHA  45. 
ASTE'LMA  93. 

8  eximia,  beautiful, 
spiralis,  spiral-leaved, 
speciosissimus,     showy, 
fruticans,              frutescent. 
imbricatum,          imbricated. 

ANQO'PHORA  107. 

6  cordifolia,         heart-leaved, 
hispida,  hispid. 

ALOY'SIA  123. 

9  citriodora,         lemon-scented. 
Verbena  tripKylla. 

AMPEL'OFSIS  198. 

hederacea,  Virginian  creeper. 

Cissus  hederacea. 
ARisTOLtfcHiA  221.   Birth-wort. 

9  labiosa,  lipped. 
ASTRA  PV^A  221. 

12  wallichii,  Wallich's. 
AR'ECA  221.  Cabbage-tree. 

12  catechu,          catechu. 

oleracea,  eatable. 

montana,  mountain. 

ARDI'SIA  220. 

10  crenulata,        crenulate. 
solanacea,  night-shade-leaved, 
elegans,                elegant, 
umbellata,           umbel-flowered. 
littoralis. 

AGATHAE'A  82. 

12  coel^stus,         blue. 
AGAPA'NTHUS  62.      African  lily. 

umbellatus,          umbel-flowered. 

var.  variegatus,   striped-leaved. 
ALONS'OA  62. 

incisifolia,  nettle-leaved. 

Hemimeris  urticifolia. 

linearis 

Hemimeris  linedris, 
A'ucuBA  63. 

4jap6nica,  blotch-leaved. 

ANAG'VRIS  63. 

4  Pcetida,  strong  smelling. 

AZ'AUCA  63. 


5  indica,  Chinese. 
"    alba,  white. 

"    purpurea,  double. 

"     pho3nicea,  purple, 

sinense,  yellow. 
AOTUS  64. 

I  villosa,  villous. 
virgata,  slender. 

ANDERS'ONIA  64. 

6  sprengelioides,  sprengilia-like. 
A'RBUTUS  64.  Strawberry-tree. 

7  Unedo,  common. 

**    rilbra,  red-flowered, 

hy'brida  hybrid. 
serratifolia,  andrachnoides. 

andrachne,  oriental. 
BA'NKSIA  64. 

8  dentata,  tooth-leaved, 
ce'mula,  deeply  sawed, 
serrata,  saw:leaved. 
undulata. 

latifolia,  broad-leaved, 

grandis,  great-flowered, 

speciosa,  long-leaved, 

cunninghamii,  Cunningham's, 

spinulosa,  spiny-leaved, 

palludosa,  marsh, 

repens,  creeping 

verticillata,  whorl-leaved. 
BL'ETJA  66. 

9  hyaeinthlna,  hyacinlhine. 
Cymbidium  hyacintttinum. 

B'ORONIA  66. 

5  pinndta,  scented, 
serrulata,  rose-scented, 
alala,  wing-leaved. 

BAR6SMA  86. 

6  serratifolia,  saw-leaved^ 
pulchella,  blunt-leaved. 
fo3tidissima,  strong-scented, 
odorata,  odoriferous, 
dioica,  dioecious. 

BAB'IANA  303. 

II  distica  two-ranked, 
stricta,  erect, 
tubiflora,  tube-flowered, 
plicata,  plaited. 

BRUNSVVJGIA  222. 

11  multiflora,  many-flowered. 

laticoma,  broad-headed. 

Josephines,  Josephine's 

falcata,  falcate 

marginata,  red-margined 

cilliaris,  hairy-margined. 

BAMBUSA  222.  Bamboo-cane. 

14  arundinacea,  reed-like. 
BANISTVERIA  223. 

fulgens,  fulgent. 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


355 


chrisophyvlla,  shining. 

splendens,  splendid. 
BARRINGTONIA  223. 

10  speciosa,  showy. 
BROWNEA  223. 

10  coccinea,  scarlet. 

rosa,  Trinidad-rose. 

.     grandice'ps,  grandest. 
BOUVA'RDIA  66. 

7  triph'ylla,  three-leaved. 
Jacquinii,  shark-leaved. 
^Ixora  americ&na. 

BRACK  YS^EMA  66. 

5  latifcMium,  broad-leaved. 

undulatum,  wave-leaved. 
BURCHE'LLIA  67. 

10  cape'nsis,  cape, 
parviflora,  small-flowered. 

BEAUF6RTIA  67. 

8  decussata,  cross-leaved, 
sparsa,  alternate-leaved. 

BR'UNIA  67. 

5  nodiflora,  imbricated. 

lanu^inosa,  woolly. 

comdsa,  tufted. 

abrotanoides,  southern  wood-like. 

formosa,  handsome. 

BO'SEA  67.  Golden-rod-tree. 

5  yervamdra. 
B\ECKIA  67. 

6  camphorata,  camphor, 
pulchella,  neat, 
virgata,  slender. 

BILLARDIE'RA  68.  Apple-berry. 

longiflora,  long-flowered. 

mutabilis,  changeable. 

scandens,  climbing. 

fusiftfrmis,  long-fruited. 

BE'LLIS  135.  Daisy.    ,   ,  vil 

per^nnis  horten- 

sis  var.  var.  garden. 

BALL6TA  260. 

11  purptirea,  purple-flowered. 
Amaryllis  purpurea. 

BELLADONNA  208. 

11  purpurascens,  Belladonna  Lily. 
Amary'llis  Belladonna. 

BIGNO'NIA  197.  Trumpet-flower. 

crucigera,  cross-bearing. 

grandiflora,  large-flowered. 

radicans,  rooting. 
COTYLE'DON  39. 

COL^UTEA  45. 

CYTICUS  45. 
CA'LTHA  135. 

palustris  pleno,  double  yellow. 

CHAM^'ROPS  262.  Dwarf-fan-palm. 

12  sp.  sp. 


232.          Large-fan-palm. 

11  ambraculifera,  large, 
tali  era,  great. 

CL'EMATIS  196,  138,  83,  Virgin's-bower. 

12  integrifolia,     entire-lcaved. 
angustifolia,         narrow-leaved, 
erecta,  erect-growing, 
vitic^lla  pulchella,  double-blue. 


flammula, 

virginiana, 

florid  a  pleno, 

aristata, 

brachiata, 
COB^'A  83. 

scandens, 
CALLICA'RPA  229. 
CAROLINE  A  229. 

17  insignis, 

alba, 

prfriceps, 

robiista, 

CARY6TA  229. 

J2  urens, 
CAL'ATHEA  223. 
zebrina 


sweet-scented. 

Virginian. 

double-white. 

awned. 

armed. 

climbing. 

Cream-nut. 

great-flowered. 

white-flowered. 

digitated. 

robust. 

stinging. 


Zebra-plant. 
Martinta  Zebrina. 
CA'NNA  224,  35.        Indian-shot. 


3  giganlea, 
limbata, 
discolor, 
iridifldra, 

C'ACTUS  224,  271. 

CE'RUS  225.  ^ 
18  peruvianus, 
heptagonus, 
flagellif6rmus, 
grandiflorus, 
triangularis, 
phyllanthoides, 
C&ctus  Speciosus 
Jenkinsoni, 
Speciosissimus, 
Ackermdnnia, 
truncatus, 

COREOPSIS,  138. 
tenuifolia, 
verticillata, 
discolor, 
tripteris, 


tall. 

bordered, 
two-coloured, 
nodding -flowered. 


Peruvian. 

seven-angled. 

creeping. 

night-blooming. 

triangular. 

rosy-flowered. 

Jenkinsons'. 
showy. 
Ackerman's. 
truncated. 


slender-leaved. 

whorl-leaved. 

two-coloured. 

three-leaved. 
CALCEOLA'RIA  68, 17, 

35,338.,  Slipper- wort. 

10  angustifolia,   narrow-leaved, 
integrifolia,          entire-leaved., 
plantaginea,         plantain-leaved. 
corymb6sa,  corymb-flowered, 

purpurea,  purple-flowered. 

Hopiana,  Dr.  Hopes'. 

niicans.  fine. 


• 


356 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


hybrida, 

hybrid. 

intermedia, 

new  blush, 

Fothergillii, 

Fothergill's. 

invincible, 

Press's. 

arachn6idea, 

cob-web. 

punctdta. 

CALOTHA'MNUS  68. 

pressii. 

6  quadrifida, 

four-cleft. 

rose-mundii, 

streaked. 

clavata, 

club-leaved. 

compacta, 

compact-white. 

gloridsa, 

dark-red. 

CAME'LLIA  69,  80., 

Japan-rose. 

R6ssii, 

Ross's. 

11  viridis, 

green-tea. 

CALLICOMA  80. 

Bohea, 

black-tea. 

6  serratifolia, 

saw-leaved. 

sesanqua, 

Lady  Banks'. 

CARMICH^LIA  81. 

oleifera, 

oleiferous. 

8  australis, 

New  -Zealand. 

maliflora, 
Sesanqua  rosea. 

pink-flowered. 

CUNONIA  81, 
2  Cap6nsis, 

Decandria-digynia. 
Cape. 

kissi, 

nepaul. 

CLE'THRA  81. 

reticulata, 

Capt.  Rawes'. 

2  arb6rea, 

tree. 

jap6nica, 

original. 

"  variegata, 

variegated-leaved. 

riibra, 

common. 

COTONEAST'ER  81. 

alba, 

single-white. 

2  denticulata, 

toothed. 

semidiiplex, 

semidouble  red. 

microphy'lla, 

small-leaved. 

rubro  pleno, 

double  red. 

CROWEA  81. 

cdrnea, 

Middlemists. 

1  saligna, 

willow-leaved. 

myrtifolia, 

myrtle-leaved. 

CHORIZE'MA  81. 

involula. 

5  nana, 

dwarf. 

myrtifolia, 

minor. 

ilicifolia, 

holly-leaved. 

hexangularis, 

six-sided. 

CINERARIA  82, 

Cape-aster. 

atrorubens, 

Loddiges'  red. 

12  speci6sa, 

large-flowered. 

anemoniflora, 

red  waratah. 

amelloides, 

blue. 

M         r6sea, 

rose  war. 

purpurea, 

purple. 

dianthiflora, 

carnation  war. 

landta, 

woolly. 

blanda, 

blush  war. 

CI'STUS  82, 

Rock-rose. 

pomp6nia, 
pseoniflora, 
Welbankii, 
alba-pleno, 
flave"scens, 
fimbriata, 
imbricata,       '• 
variegata, 
crassinervis? 
conchiflora, 
rubricaulis, 
longifolia, 
chandlerii, 
versicolor* 

Kevv  blush, 
paeony  flowered. 
Welbank's. 
double  white, 
ladies'-blusb. 
fringed  white, 
imbricate  petaled. 
double  striped, 
thick-nerved, 
shell-flowered. 
Lady  Campbell's, 
long  leaved. 
Chandler's. 

3  ladaniferus, 
Monspelie'nsis, 
sdlignis, 
populifolius, 
undulatus, 
CAMPA'NULA  135, 
persicifolia, 
"  alba-  pie"  no, 
"  coarulea-pleno, 
urticifolia, 
speciosa, 
glomerata, 
versicolor, 

gum. 
Montpelier. 
willow-leaved, 
poplar-leaved, 
wave-leaved. 
Bell-flower, 
peach-leaved, 
double-white. 
"      blue, 
nettle-leaved, 
spacious, 
headed-flowered, 
three-coloured. 

Aitdnia, 

Ai  ton's. 

CHEIRA'NTHUS  136. 

althaeflora, 
xioralllna, 

holly-hock  flowered. 
coraUflowered. 

cheiri-vulgaris, 
"  ho3manthus, 

Wall-flower, 
double-bloody. 

insignis, 

splendid. 

mutabilis, 

changeable. 

anemoneflora  dlba,    white    anemone 

CHELCJNE  136. 

flowered. 

glabra, 

glabrous. 

heterophy'lla, 

various  leaved. 

obliqua, 

oblique-leaved. 

Wo6dsii, 

Mr.  Wood's. 

bar  bat  a, 

bearded-flowered. 

speci6sa, 

striped  waratah. 

atropurpurea, 

purple-flowered. 

fllgens, 

fulgent. 

pulch^lla, 

pretty. 

grand  ifldra, 

large  flowered. 

ventista, 

showy. 

rdsa-sine'nsi*, 

bright  pink. 

speciosa, 

spacious. 

NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


357 


CHRYSA'NTHBMUM  137. 

sine'nse,  variable-Chinese. 

"  tubuldsum  album,  quilled-white. 

44  superbum,  superb-white. 

"  discolor,  large-lilac. 

44  fulvum,  Spanish-brown. 

44  atropurpureum,  early-crimson. 

**  involutum,  curled-lilac.. 

"  fasciculatum,  superb-yellow. 

"  serotinum,  pale-purple. 

"  papyraceum,  paper-white. 

"  waratah,       yellow-anemone-flow'd. 

"  versicolor,  two-coloured  red. 

44  stellatum,  starry-purple. 

"  verecundum,  early-blush. 

"  mutabile,  changeable. 

COCOLOBA  229,  Sea-side-grape. 

15  pubescens,  downy. 

latifolia,  broad-leaved. 
C'UPHEA  229. 

6  Melvilla,  MelviU's. 
CROTON  230. 

pictus,  painted. 

variegatus,  variegated. 

44    latifolia,  broad-leaved. 

CE'RBERA  230. 

17  thevetia,  linear-leaved. 

ahouai,  oval-leaved. 

odallam,  spear-leaved. 

manghas,  blunt- leaved. 

C'YCAS  230,  Sago-palm  ? 

11  revoltita,  revolute. 
circinalis  great, 
gla^ca,  glaucous. 

COMBR'ETUM  231. 

elegans,  elegant. 

formosum,  handsome. 

purpdreum,  scarlet. 
CRXASSULA  231. 

CROCUS  275,  saffron. 

sativus,  garden. 

Pallasii,  Pallas'. 

serotinus,  late-flowered. 

nudiflorus,  naked-flowered. 
COLCHICUM  275. 

CA'LLA  289. 

12  jEthiopica,  Ethiopian-lily'. 
CORONI'LLA  83. 

12  glauca,  glaucous, 

valentlna,  nine-leaved. 
stipuldris. 

viminalis,  slender. 
CORR'EA  84.     . 

5  alba»  white-flowered, 

rufa,  rusty-leaved. 

pulch6lla,  pretty. 


speci6sa,  showy. 

virdns,  green-flowered. 
CRAT^GUS  84. 

CUPR'ESSUS  85,  Cypress. 

6  lusitdnica,  cedar  of  Goa. 

pendula,  pendulous. 

juniperoides,  African. 
CALA'MPELIS  85. 

11  scabra,  climbing. 

Eccremocdrpus  scaber. 

CELA'STRIS  85.  Staff-tree. 

4  pyracanthus,  red-fruited. 

cym6sus,  cyme-flowered. 

multiflorus,  many-flowered. 

lucidus,  shining. 

COOKIA  85.  Wampee-tree. 

11  punctata,  punctate. 
CALLIST'ACHYS  85. 

6  lanceolata,  lanceolated. 

ovata,  oval-leaved. 
CHARLWOODIA  234. 

11  stricta,  erect. 
COFF'EA  227,  Coffee-tree. 

17  Arabica,  Arabian. 

ClNNAMtfMUM  101. 

15  camphdra,       camphire-tree. 
CLERODE'NDRON  124. 

12  fragrans  multiplex,  double. 
CRINU^M  261,  232. 

11  capense,  cape. 

Amaryllis  longifolia. 

cruentum,  red. 

scabrum,  scabrous. 

amabile,  showy. 

CYRTA'NTHUS  232. 

11  oddrus,  scented. 

striatus,  striped. 

obliquus,  oblique-leaved. 

vitt^tus,  ribanded. 

CARYOPHY'LLUS  233. 

9  aromdticus,        aromatic. 
CALLI^STEMON  107. 

6  salignum,  willow-leaved. 

lanceolatum,         lance-leaved. 

semperflorens,      ever-blooming 

glavlcum,  glaucous. 

metrosideros  specidsa. 
CY'CLAMEN  290,  297. 

11  Cotim,  round-leaved. 

Pe"rsicum,  Persian. 

hederasfolium,      ivy-leaved. 

Europxaeum, .        round-leaved. 

Neapolitanum,     Neapolitan. 
CENTRVANTHUS  150. 

Phu,  garden. 

Vderidna  Phii. 


358 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


rubra,  red. 
Valeridna  rubra. 
DION'^A  36. 

5  mucipula,  Venus-fly-trap. 
DILL'ENIA  233. 

7  speciosa,  spacious. 

scandens,  climbing. 

DRAC'^NA  233.  Dragon-tree. 

11  ferrea,  purple-leaved. 

fragrans,  scented. 

marginata,  margined. 

draco,  large 

DA'PHNE  313,  258,  270. 

15  odora,  sweet-scented. 

indica. 

h'ybrida,  daphine. 

oleoides,  olea-leaved. 

laureola,  spurg-laurel. 

p6ntica,  pontic. 

alplna,  alpine. 

cneorum,  trailing. 

DELPHI'NUM  138.  Larkspur. 

grandiflorum,  large-flowered. 

intermedium,  intermediate. 

var.  var. 

elatum,  Bee-larkspur. 

montanum,  tall-growing. 

DIANTHUS  138.  Pink. 

17  barba'tus,  sweet-william. 

"  pl£no,  double. 

discolor,  two-coloured. 

chinensis,  china. 

alpinus,  alpine. 

supe>bus,.  superb-red. 

caryophy'llus,  clove. 

pluma>ius,  common. 

fra1  grans,  sweet-scented. 
DICTA'MNUS  139. 

fraxinella,  red. 

albus,  white. 

DODECVATHEON  321. 

139.  American  cow-slip. 

media,  purple, 

"  alba,  white. 

DIGITVALIS  140.  Fox-glove, 

leucoph'oea,  broad-lipped. 

ferruginea,  rusty-flowered. 

ochrolcuca,  large  yellow, 

purpurascens,  blush-flowered. 
erubescens. 

purpurea,  purple. 

**  sUba,  white. 
DAVI'ESIA  86. 

6  ulicina,  furze-like, 
latifdlia,  broad-leaved, 
acicularis,  needle-leaved, 
incrassata,  thick-leaved. 

DIO'SMA  86. 


6  capitata,  crown-flowered. 

oppositifolia,  opposite-leaved. 

longifolia,  long-leaved. 

rubra,  heath-leaved. 

ericifolia. 

treretifolia,  round-leaved. 
DRYA'NDRA  87. 

6  nivea,  white-leaved. 

formosa,  apricot-scented. 

floribunda,  many-flowered. 

anmifa,  acute-leaved. 

plumosa,  feathered. 

baxt^ri,  Baxter's. 

nervosa,  nerve-leaved. 

falcata,  falcate-leaved. 
DILLWY'NIA  87. 

6  florabunda,  close-flowered. 

ericifolia. 

teretifolia,  round-leaved. 

phylicoides,  phylica-like. 
DAMPI'ERA  87. 

6  purpurea,  purple-flowered. 

undul£ta,  wave-leaved. 

stricta,  upright. 
EDWA'RDSIA  88. 

6  grandiflora,  large-flowered. 

chrysophy'lla,  silver-leaved. 

microphy'lla,  small-leaved. 
ELICHRVYSUM  88. 
ENKJA'NTHUS  88. 

6  quinqueflorus,  Canton. 

reticulatus,  netted-leaved. 
EPA'CRIS  88. 

5  grandiflora,  large-flowered, 
pulchella,  sweet-scented, 
impressa,  unpressed. 
palludosa,  marsh, 
purpurascens  red. 

r&bra. 

ER'ICAS  89.  Heath. 

6  mediterrdnea,  common. 
5  aristdta,  awned. 
baccans,  arbutus-flowered, 
bowie^na,  Bowie's, 
conferta,  crowded-flowered. 
Slogans,  elegant, 
fasciculdris,  cluster-flowered, 
florabunda,  many-flowered, 
glomerata,  glomerate, 
grandiflora,  large-flowered, 
inflata,  inflated, 
mammosa,  nipple. 
pre"gnans,  swelled, 
pubescens,  downy, 
refulgens,  refulgent, 
regerminans  cluster-flowered, 
rubens,  red-flowered. 
speciosa,  specious. 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


359 


splendens,  splendid. 

tene"lla,  delicate. 

triumphans,  triumphant. 

veslita,  tremulous. 

var.  var. 

ventricosa,  beautiful. 

viscaria,  clammy-flowered. 
ER'ANTHEMUM  234. 

11  pulchellum,  neat. 

bicolor  two-coloured. 
EUG'ENIA  234. 

11  pimenta,  Allspice. 

Mi/rlus  Pimenta. 

fragrans,  scented. 

EUPHORBIA  234.  Spurg. 

18  heteroprTylla.? 
ERYTHR'INA  235. 

330.  Coral-tree. 

13  corallode"nd- 

rum,  smooth. 

speciosa,  splendid. 

pubje'scens,  downy. 

herbacea,  herbaceous. 

laurifolia,  laurel-leaved 

crista-galli,  Cocks-comb. 

ERIAB'OTRYA  107.  loquat. 

11  japonica,  Japan. 
ENT'ELIA  119. 

12  arborescens,  tree. 
ECHINOCA'CTUS  225. 

18  gibbdsus,  gouty. 

crispatus,  curled-ribbed. 

recur  v  us,  recurve-spined. 
EUPATORIUM  91. 140. 

10  elegans,  scented. 

coelestinum,  blue. 

aromaticum,  aromatic. 
EUTA'XIA  92. 

6  myrtifolia,  myrtle-leaved. 

pungens,  pungent. 
EUCH'ILUS  92. 

6  obcordata. 

ER6D1UM  91,  Heron's-bill. 

incarnatum,  fleshy. 

crassi  folium,  thick-leaved. 

laciniatum,  laciniated. 


EUCALY'PTUS  91. 
6  pordata, 
rostrata, 
radiata, 
pulvigera. 
g!6bifera, 
pulverul^nta, 
resinifera, 

EuRcu'iMA  36. 

EUXCOMIS  24. 

FUKCHR\EA  39. 


Heart-leaved. 

beaked. 

rayed. 

round-fruited. 

powdered. 

.red-gum-tree. 


I/NKIA  96, 141. 
11  alba. 

Hemerocdllis  japonica. 
coerulea. 
Hemerocdllis  coerulea. 

ERRVAR1A  40. 

11  undulata,         curled, 
antherosa,  variegated. 

'RITILI^ARIA  295. 

imperialis,  Crown-imperial. 

Persica,  Persian. 

Vcus  236,  Fig-tree. 

12  elastica,  gum-elastic, 
brassii,  brass, 
religiosa,  superstitious, 
lucida,  shining. 
Bengalensis,  Bengal, 
nltida,  glossy, 
indica,  banyan-tree, 
exasperata,  very-rough, 
costata,  rib-leaved. 

''U'CHSIA  92,  Ladiestear-drop. 

13  virgata,  twiggy, 
conica,  conical-tubed, 
coccinea,  scarlet, 
microphy'lla,  small-leaved, 
arbdrea,  tree, 
gracilis,  slender, 
thymifolia,  thyme-leaved. 

^ELS'EMIUM  93.        Carolina-jasmine. 

5  nitidum,  shining-leaved. 

^NAPH'ALIUM  93.    (See  Aslelma.) 
GOMPHOL'OBJUM  94. 

5  barbigerum,       bearded-flowered. 
polim6rphum,       variable. 
GEORGI'ANA  180. 
Dahlia  svperflua. 
dwarf-globe,          crimson, 
pulla. 

Electa,  scarlet, 

flamsea,  flame. 

Zeno. 

Etna,  scarlet. 

imperiosa. 

Cicero. 

cocade. 

Cambridge-surprise. 

Duchess-of-Wellington,  pink. 

Countess-of-Liverpool. 

Barret's-Wm.^th,  scarlet. 

mountain-of-snow,  true. 

Diana,  lilac. 

crimson-bonnet,    glob. 

eximia,  scarlet. 

star-of-Brunswick,  pink. 

Lafayette,  orange. 

morning-star,       red. 


360 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


Romulus,              scarlet. 

1  Canariensis,      Canary. 

Florabunda,          crimson. 

tricuspidata,         three-pointed. 

speciosissima,       purple. 

cuspidosa,             sharp-pointed. 

Veitches-triumphant,  purple. 

umbellata,             umbelled. 

coronation,            maroon. 

GNI'DIA  94. 

Stephenia,             bloody. 

6  simplex,             flax-leaved. 

feathered,              light  crimson,  glob. 

sericea,                  silky. 

dwarf,                    crimson,  fine  glob. 

imberbis,               smooth-scaled. 

striated  buff,        anemone-flowered. 
large-pink,                        " 

pinifolia,               pine-leaved. 
GOODEVNIA  94. 

"     rose,                         " 

6  stelh'gera,          starry-haired. 

spectabile,                        ** 

suaveolens,           sweet-scented. 

painted-lady,                    " 

ovata,                    oval-leaved. 

early-blood,                       " 
GLO'BBA  36. 

grandiflora,           large-flowered. 
GORTERIA  94. 

GESNE'RIA  36. 

6  per  sonata. 

10  bulbtfsa,           bulbous. 

GAZA'NIA  94. 

GLORIO'SA  37. 

6  rigens,               great. 

10  superba,           superb. 

Pavonia,               peacock. 

GAST'ERJA  259. 

heterophyUla,        various-leaved. 

GENUM  141. 

GREVI'LLEA  95. 

que*llyon,      .        scarlet. 

6  punicea,             scarlet. 

cocdneum. 

acanthifolia,         acanthus-like. 

hy'bridum,            hybrid. 

coccinea,               pretty. 

urbanum,             common, 

juniperina,           juniper-like. 

GENTIA'NA  140. 

linearis,                linear-leaved. 

lutea,                    yellow. 

HAXKEA  95. 

purpurea,              purple. 

6  gibbosa              gibbous-fruited. 

septe"mfida,            crested. 

nitida,                   glossy. 

acaulis,                  dwarf. 

salio-na,                  willow-leaved^ 

GCERTN'ERA  237. 

suaveolens,          sweet-scented. 

12  racemosa,        climbing. 

conculata,             conculate. 

GEISSOME'RIA  237. 

Lamberti,              Lambert's. 

2  longiflora,          long-flowered. 

HEMEROCA'LLIS,  96.  Day-lily. 

GARDENIA  237,  262. 

11  speciosa,         spacious. 

9  campanulata,    bell-flowered. 

HERM'ANNIA  96. 

am'oena,                neat. 

HELICHRXYSUM  93.   Everlasting. 

costata,                ribbed. 

8  grandiflorum,    large-flowered. 

lucida,                   shining. 

arboreum,             arborescent. 

florida-pleno,        Cape-jasmine. 

orientale,              common. 

radicans,               dwarf. 

fragrans,               sweet-scented. 

longifolia.             long-leaved. 

odoratissimum,    odoriferous. 

latifolia,                broad-leaved. 

fruticans,               shrubby. 

Rothmonnia,        spotted. 

fulgidum,              splendid. 

Thunbdrgia,         Thunberg's. 

HIBBE'RTIA  96. 

GLADIOLUS  303.        Corn-flag. 
11  floribundus,     many-flowered, 
cardinalis,             cardinal. 
Byzantinus,          Turkish, 
blandus,                fairest, 
cuspidatus,           sharp-pointed, 
psittacinus,          parrot. 

12  grossulariaefolia,  gooseberry-leaved, 
dentata,                toothed, 
volubilis,               twining, 
fasciculata,          bushy, 
saligna,                 willow-leaved, 
pedunculata,         long-pedicled. 
HABRA'NTHUS  96. 

GOMPHOL^OBIUM  94. 

2  Andersbnii,         Anderson's. 

latifolium,             broad-leaved. 

versicolor,              three-coloured. 

grandiflorum,        large-flowered. 

robusta,                 robust. 

venii'stum,            showy. 

HOVEA  97. 

GENI'STA  94. 

6  linearis               linear-leaved. 

NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


361 


rosmarinifolia,      rosmary-leaved. 

Pallasii, 

Pallas*. 

longifolia,              long-leaved. 

pallida, 

pale. 

Celsii,                   Cels's. 

cristata, 

crested. 

HTDRA'NGEA,  97.  172. 

arenaria, 

sand. 

14  hortensis,         variable. 

furcata, 

forked. 

hypericum,            St.  John's-wort. 
10  mon6gynum,   three-styled. 

germdnica, 
florentina, 

German, 
florentine. 

balearicum,           warted. 

v^rna, 

spring. 

floribtindum,         many-flowered. 

susiana, 

chalcedonian. 

canariense,            canaries. 

lusitanica, 

Portuguese. 

aegyptiacum,        Egyptian. 

var.  var. 

cochinchine'nse,    cochinchina. 

Hiphioides, 

great  bulbous. 

HIBI'SCUS  238.  141.  27.  45. 

Persica, 

Persian. 

9  Rosa  sinensis  pi  en  us,  double  red. 

'IxiA,  203. 

"        "        carnea,      "       salmon. 

11  monaddlphia, 

monadelphus. 

*'         "  variegatus,      "       striped. 

leucdntha, 

white  flowered. 

'•        "  Ititea,               "      yellow. 

capitata, 

headed. 

paltistris,              marsh. 

conica, 

orange-coloured. 

roseus,                  rose-coloured. 

columelaris,  • 

variegated. 

militaris,               smooth. 

IPOMAXEA  240. 

speciosus,             showy  crimson. 

9  paniculata, 

panicle-flowered. 

grandiflorus,        large  flowered. 

^ILEX  98. 

Holly. 

pungens,               pungent. 

15  aquifolium, 

European. 

Syriacus,              Althea. 

var.  var. 

var.  var. 

cassine, 

cassine-like. 

mutabjlis  plenus,  double-changeable, 
lilliiflorus,              various. 

vomitoria, 
ILLI'CIUM  99. 

south-sea  tea. 
Anniseed-tree. 

HEDY'CHIUM  36. 

floridanum, 

purple-flowered. 

HEMEROCA'LLIS  141.  Day  lily. 

parviflorum, 

small-flowered. 

fulva,                     copper-coloured. 

anisatum, 

anise-scented. 

graminea,             grass-leaved. 

INDIGO'  FERA  99. 

Indigo-tree. 

HE'DERA  198. 

denudata, 

smooth-leaved. 

Helix,  .                  Irish-ivy. 

anVtena, 

pretty. 

HERITE'RIA  238.        Looking-glass-plant. 

australis, 

round-stemmed. 

11  littoralis,          large-leaved. 

angulata, 

angular-stemed. 

HOWA'RTHIA  260. 

candicans, 

white-leaved. 

H6vA  239.                  wax-plant. 

filifolia, 

filiform-leaved. 

carnosa,                 common. 

ISOPXOGON  99. 

crassifolia,             thick-leaved. 

9  form^osus, 

handsome. 

HERNA'NDIA  239.      Jack-in-a-box. 

anemonefolious, 

anemone-leaved. 

Sonora,                 peltate-leaved. 

attenuates, 

attenuated. 

VIXORA  240. 

5  obovata,             purple. 

polycephalus, 
jalapa, 

many-headed. 
Jalap. 

pur  pur  ea. 

grandiflora, 

large-flowered. 

crocata,                 saffron-coloured. 

pulch^lla, 

pretty. 

rosea,                     rose-coloured. 

tuberosa, 

tuberous. 

bandhuca,             stem-clasping. 

JUSTI'CIA  99.  243. 

blanda,                  charming. 

nigricans, 

spotted. 

undulata,              waved. 

orchioides, 

orchis-like. 

dichottma. 

adhatoda, 

Malabar-nut. 

coccinea,               scarlet. 

coccinea, 

scarlet. 

grandiflora,  stricta,Jldmmea,  speciosa. 

picta, 

painted. 

fiilgens,                 glossy. 

lucida, 

shining. 

longifolia^  lanceolata. 

fornVosa, 

handsome. 

pavetta,                 scented. 

speciosa, 

showy. 

IMS,  142,  320.          Flower-de-luce, 

JACKSO'NIA  100. 

subifTora,             sub-flowered. 

6  scoparia, 

broom-like. 

nepalensis,           Nepaul. 

hbrrida, 

horrid. 

46 


362 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


reticulata,  "         netted. 
JUNI'PERUS  210.       Juniper. 

virginiana,  red-cedar. 

JA'TROPHA  242.        Physie-nut. 

17  inultifida,       multifid 
pandureefolia,      fiddle-leaved, 
curcas,  angular-leaved. 

JACARA'NDA  241. 

9  mimosifolia,      mimosa-leaved. 

filicifolia,  fern-leaved. 

JAMB'OSA  241.  Rose-apple. 

11  vulgaris,          common. 

malacensis,          Malay-apple. 

purpurascens,      purple-flowered. 

macrophvylla,      large-leaved. 

amplexicaulis,     stern-clasping. 
JASMXINUM  242.        Jasmine. 

3  sambac,  Arabian. 

*»  multiplex,    semi-double. 
"  trifol&tum,  double-Tuscan. 

hirsutum,  hairy-stemmed. 

paniculatuin,       panicled. 

simplicif'olium,  simple-leaved. 

lucidium?  shining. 

odoratissimum  3,  Azorian.. 

revoliitum  re  volute -leaved. 

grand  iflorum,      Catalonian. 

officinale,  common. 

KALOSANTHUS  231. 

18  coccinea,         scarlet. 
Craastila  coccinea. 
versicolor,  changeable. 
Crassula  versicolor. 
odoratissima,       sweet-scented. 

K^MPF'ERIA  243, 36. 

17  rottinda,          round-rooted. 
KENN'EDIA  100. 

5  monoph'ylla,     simple-leaved, 
rubicunda,  dingy -flowered, 
prostrdta,             trailing. 
Gtycine  coccinea. 

coccinea,  many-flowered. 

cornptoniana,      comptonian. 

inophVlla,  few-leaved. 

LAGERSTR'CEMIA  129. 
172. 

indica,  crape-flower. 

LAMBE'RTIA  100. 

6  formosa,  handsome, 
echinata,             lobe-leaved, 
uniflora,              one-flowered. 
incrmis,  unarmed. 

LASIOP^ETALUM  100. 
LAVA'NDULA  101.      Lavender. 

7  dentata,  toothed, 
formosa,              handsome, 
pinnata,               pinnated. 

LAU'RUS  101.  244.    Laurel. 


15  Toetens, 

aggregata, 

glau.ca, 

scabra, 

verum, 

cdssia, 


til. 

clustered. 

glaucous. 

rough. 

true. 

false. 


chlor6xylon,  cogwood. 
LANTVANA  244. 

LANT'ANIA  244.  Dwarf-palm. 

12  borbonica,  borbon. 

rdbra,  red . 

glaucoph'ylla,  glaucous. 

L'IATRIS  142.  Gay-feather. 

squarr^osa,  squarrose. 

elegans,  elegant. 

paniculata,  paniculate. 

spicdta. 

macrostachya,  large-spiked. 
LXYCHNIS,  143. 104. 

9  chalced'onica,  chalcedonian. 

fiilgens,  fulgent. 

flos-jvovis,  umbelled. 

Agrostemaflos-jovis. 

coronata,  crowned. 
LY'THRUM  143. 

alatum,  erect-growing. 

virgatum,  twiggy. 

diffusum,  diffuse. 

lanceolatum,  lance-leaved. 
LOM'ATIA  103.    (See  errata.) 

6  silaif  olia,  cut-leaved. 

dentata,  toothed. 

ilicifolia,  holly-leaved. 
LACHEN'ALIA  291. 

11  tricolor,  three-coloured. 

quadricolor,  four-coloured. 

rubida,  dotted-flowered. 

punctata,  spotted-flowered. 

orchoides,  orchis-like. 

nerv'osa,  nerved-leaved. 
LIL'IUM  32.  35.  306. 

11  martagon,  red. 

tygrinum,  spotted. 

chalcedvonicum,  Chalcedonian. 

specivosum?  showy. 

longiflorum? 

jap6nicum.  Japan. 
LOBVELIA  102. 

6  tupa,  mullein-leaved. 

speciosa,  specious. 

.  splendens,  splendid. 

fulgens,  fulgent. 

coeru.lea,  blue. 

Thunb^rgii,  Thurberg's. 

corymbosa,  corymbose. 

pyramid^lis          pyramidal. 

ilicifolia,  holly-leaved. 

LOPHOSPH'ERMUAI  103. 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


363 


12  scandens.  climbing. 
LACHNV^EA  103. 

1  glauca,  glaucous. 

conglomerata,  clustered. 

eriocephala  woolly-headed. 

LEON\>TIS,  Lion's-ear. 

7  intermedia,  intermediate. 

LEONVRUS,  narrow-leaved. 
LEUCOSPE'RMUM  103. 

9  formosum,  handsome. 

grandiflorum,  tomentose. 

candicans,  hoary. 
LIP'ARIA  104. 

sphse'rica,  crowned. 

tomentosa,  downy. 

villdsa,  hairy. 

sericea,  silky. 
LYSINVEMA  104. 

5  pentapetalum,  five-petaled. 
conspicum,  conspicuous, 
rdseum,  rose-coloured. 

LYCHNIS  104. 

9  coronata,  crowned. 
LEPTOSPE'RMUM  104.  South-Sea-Myrtle. 

6  baccatum,  berry-fruited, 
pendulum,  pendulous, 
juniperinum,  juniper-leaved, 
ovatum,  ovate-leaved, 
stellatum,  starry-flowered, 
grandiflorum,  large-flowered, 
scoparium,  New-Zealand-tea. 

LEUCADE'NDRON  105.  Silver-Tree. 

9  argente"um,  silvery. 

Protect  argentea. 

squarrosum,  squarrose. 

stellatum,  starry. 

Protea  stellaris. 

t6rtum,  twisted. 

sericeum,  silky. 

margin  atum,  margined. 

plumdsum,  feathered. 

Protea  parvifldra. 
MAGNOLIA  105. 

9  fuscata,  rusty. 

annonsBfolia,  annonae-leaved. 

ptimila,  dwarf. 

conspicua,  youlan. 

purpurea,  purple, 
MELAI/EUCA  106. 

6  eliptica,  eliptic. 

fulgens,  fulgent. 

decussata,  cross-leaved. 

hypericifolia,  hypericum-leaved. 

squarrosa,  square-set. 

linarifolia,  linear-leaved. 

incana,  hoary. 

tetragdnia,  four-sided. 

thymifolia,  thyme-leaved. 


MAURA'NDIA  106. 

6  Barclayana,       Barclay's. 

semperflorens,  ever-blooming. 

MY'RSINE  106,  Cape-Myrtle. 

4  retusa,  erect. 

rotundifolia,  round-leaved. 

ME'SPILUS  J  07.  Medlar. 
METROSID'EROS. 

6  fldrida,  many-flowered. 

umbellata,  umbel-flowered. 

angustifolia,  narrow-leaved. 

lanceolata,  lance-leaved. 
MA'NIHOT  243. 

17  cannabina,  cassada  root. 
MESEMBRYVANTHEMUM  263.  271. 

18  sp.  sp. 

MY'RTUS  108.  Myrtle. 

12  communis,  common. 

multiplex,  double. 

leucocarpa,  white-fruited. 

italica  variegata,  variegated. 

maculata,  blotch- leaved. 

tomentosa,  downy. 

tenuifolia,  slender-leaved. 

MIM'ULUS  143.  Monkey-flower. 

luteus,  yellow. 

rivularis,  dark-spotted. 

moschatus,  musk-scented. 
MONA'RDA  143. 

didyma,  Oswego-tea. 

kalmiana,  pubescent-flowered. 

Russelli'ana,  Russells*. 

punctata,  spotted. 

MATHI'OLA  144.  Stock-gilly. 

simplicicaulis,  Brompton-stock. 

var.  var. 

incana,  queen-stock. 

var.  var. 

annua,  annual. 

var.  var. 

glabra.  wall-leaved. 
MAMILI/ARIA  224. 

18  coccinea,  scarlet-flowered. 

simplex  small-red-spined. 

pusilla,  starry. 

conica,  cone-headed. 
MELOCA'CTUS  225. 

18  communis,  Turk's-cape. 

macranthus,  large-spined. 

pyramidalis,  pyramidale. 
MEL'ASTOMA  245, 

1  Malabathrica,  Malabar. 

sanguinea,  bloody. 

decemfida,  ten-cleft. 

pulverulenta,  powdered. 

aspera,  rough. 

nepal^nsis,  Nepaul. 

MALPI'GHIA  246.  Barbadoes-cherry. 


364 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


17  urens,  stinging, 

aquifolium,  holly-leaved. 

fucata,  painted. 

glabra,  smooth. 
MA'RICA  246. 

12  ccerulea,  blue. 

Sabini,  Sabin's. 

northiana,  spotted. 

M'USA,  247,  Plantain-tree. 

15  paradisiaca,  common. 

sapie"ntum,  banana-tree. 

rosacea,  rose-coloured. 

coccinea,  scarlet-coloured. 

chinensis,  Chinese. 

MANGI'FERA  245,  Mango-tree. 

11  indica,  common. 
oppositifolia?  opposite-leaved. 

NAND'INA  108,  Nandin. 

I  dome~stica,  common. 
NINTOOA. 

longiflora,  long-flowered. 
Lonicera-japonica. 

NE'RIUM  108,  Oleander. 

12  oleander,  common. 

"  sple"ndens,  double-rose. 

"  elegantissimum,  variegated. 

*«  alba,  white. 

"    "     pleno?  double-  white. 

(ENOTH'ERA  144,  Evening  -primrose. 

macrocarpa,  broad-leaved. 

media,  intermediate. 

latiflora,  broad-flowered. 

Frazeri,  Frazer's. 

speciosa,  handsome. 

pallida,  pale. 

odorata,  sweet-scented. 

<OLEA  109,  Olive-tree. 

II  europ^oea,  common. 

"  longifdlia,  long-leaved. 

"  latifo-lia,  broad-leaved. 

capensis,  Cape. 

verrucosa,  warted. 

fragrans,  scented. 

paniculata,  panicled. 
OXYLO'BIUM  110. 

obtusifolium,  blunt-leaved. 

retusum,  retuse-leaved. 

ellipticum,  elliptic-leaved. 

O'XALIS. 

11  rubella,  red. 

marginata,  margined. 

elongata,  striped-flowered. 

am'cena,  neat. 


I  purpurascens,  ^  purple. 
Meldstoma-purpurea. 

ORNITH6GALUM  292.  Star-of-Bcthlehcm. 

II  lact^um,  white. 


aureum,  golden, 

maritimum,          squill. 
OPI/NTIA  227. 

18  cochinillifera,  cochineal-fig, 
fi'cus-indica,         Indian-fig. 

PELARGONIUM  110,  273,  Stork's-bill. 
Geranium. 
12  dlbum. 
macranthum. 
grandiflorum. 
Navarino. 
Longstrethium. 
Jacksonium. 
Lucretia. 
Leopold. 
Lafayette, 
triumphans. 
JefFersoniautn. 
Franklinium. 
Queen-Adelaide. 
Simsium. 
obovatum. 
Pepperium. 
Philadelphicum. 
foliosum. 

Dutchess-of-Gloucester. 
verecundum. 
Lady  Clifford. 
Delaware, 
marianum. 
urbanum. 
dissimilum. 
Royal-George. 
Washington. 
Scotiaum. 
banburyensis. 
florabundum. 

19  pavoninum. 
Waterloo, 
ignescens. 
Lord-Yarborough. 
decorum. 
Sherwoodium. 
doubreyanum. 
Effi-Deans. 
Lord-Byron. 
Glorianum. 

Chandler's-grand-purple. 
Princess-Augusta,  new. 
Lord-Brougham. 
Websterium. 
ardescens. 
Russellianum. 
succulentum. 
Rob-Roy. 
Davyanum. 

[The  above  begin  with  the  light- 
est, and  end  with  the  darkest  colours, 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


365 


The  following  are  various  fancy  sorts. 

Lemon-scented. 

apple-scented. 

rose-scented. 

peppermint-scented. 

oak-leaved. 

ardens. 

bicolor. 

tristum. 

pulchellum. 

nutmeg-scented. 

New-Zealand. 

flax. 


PHORMIUM  112, 

7  tenax, 
PH'YLICA  113. 

5  horizontal, 

plumdsa. 

squarrdsa, 

imbricata, 

myrtifolia, 

callosa, 

bicolor, 

ericoides, 
PIM'ELEA  113. 

5  decussata, 

rosea, 

linifolia, 

spicata, 

drupacea, 
PITTOSPORUM  113. 

13  tobira, 

undulata, 

coriaceum, 

revolutum, 

fulvum, 

ferrugineum, 
PHRY'NIUM  36. 
PACHIDE'NDRON  259. 
FINUS  210. 

Canadensis, 
PERiPL<5cA  198. 

gr'seca, 
PH^EN'ACOMA  88. 

5  prolifera, 
PHOTI'NIA  84. 

10  serruldta, 
arbutirolia, 

PE'RSEA  244. 

11  gratissima, 
Laurus-persea. 

PUNI'CA  172, 
PULSATI'LLA  134, 

vernalis, 
PERI'SKIA  228,        I 

18  aculeata, 


spreading. 

squarrose. 

imbricated. 

myrtle-leaved. 

callous-leaved. 

two-coloured. 

heath-like. 

cross-leaved. 

rose-coloured. 

flax-leaved. 

spike-flowered. 

berry-bearing. 

Chinese. 

wave-leaved. 

leather-leaved. 

revolute. 

yellow. 

rusty. 


hemlock- spruce. 

Silk-vine. 

Virginian. 

many-headed. 

serrulate, 
arbutus-leaved. 
Alligator-pear, 
common. 

Pomegranate. 

Pasque-flower. 

spring. 

Jarbadoes-gooseberry. 

prickly. 


japonica,  red. 

•*  alba,  white. 

321,  315, 151. 


edulis-whitlijii,  white. 

"  fragrans,  scented. 

"  humea,  crimson. 

chinensis-alba,  double- white  ? 

paradoxa-fimbriata,  fringed. 

officinalis-rubra,  common. 

15  moutan,  tree. 

M  banksii,  common. 

w  papaveracea,  white. 

**  rosea,  rose-coloured. 

PoTENTIfLLA  147. 

nepalensis,  Nepaul. 
formdsa. 

atropurpurea,  dark-purple. 

Russelliana,  Russell's. 

Hopwoodiana,  Hopwood's. 

splendens,  splendid. 

PLATYLOBIDM  113,  Flat-pea. 

5  fornidsum,  handsome, 
ovatum,  ovate-leaved, 
triangulare,  triangular-stock. 

PIST'ACIA  113. 

2  terebinthus,  turpentine-tree. 

lentiscus,  mastic-tree. 

vera,  true. 

reticulata,  netted-leaved. 

PLUMBAGO  114,  Lead-wort. 

tristis,  red-leaved. 

Capensis,  Cape. 

PSOR\ALEA  114. 

6  odoratissima,  sweet-scented, 
spicata,  spike-flowered, 
aculeata,  prickly, 
argentea,  silvery. 
tomentosa,  downy. 

PODALY'RIA  114. 

sericea,  silky. 

styracifolia,  stor  ax-leaved. 

coriiscans,  glittering. 

argentea,  silvery. 

laparioides,  liparia-like. 

subiflora,  netted-leaved. 
PERSO^NIA  114. 

6  hirsuta,  hairy-leaved. 

m6llis,  soft-leaved. 

teretifolia,  round-leaved. 

lucida,  shining-leaved. 

PR6TEA  115. 

9  cynaroides,  artichoke-flowered. 

speciosa,  splendid. 

"  rubra,  red. 

umbonalis,  embossed. 

longifblia. 

melaleuca,  black-fringed. 

grandiflora,  large-flowered. 

coccinea,  scarlet-flowered. 

cenocdrpa. 

pallens. 


366 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


formosa, 

handsome.                         13  odoratissimus,  scented. 

magnified, 

magnificent. 

utilis  ?                   red-spined. 

mellifera, 

honey-bearing, 

PTEROSPE'RMUM  250. 

PULTEN\*A  115. 

13  suberifolium,  various-leaved. 

5  villdsa, 
obcordata, 

villous. 
heart-leaved. 

semisagittatum,  half-sagittate. 
PLUME'RIA  250. 

arg^ntea, 

silvery-leaved. 

11  acuminata,       acuminate. 

plumosa, 

feathered. 

tricolor,                three-coloured. 

ftexilis, 

fragrant 

rubra,                    red-coloured. 

Candida, 

white-leaved. 

PH'OSNIX  250,            Date-Palm. 

stricta, 

erect-growing. 

12  dactylifera,      common. 

PHLOX  145. 

- 

paludosa,               marsh. 

*  paniculata, 

panicled. 

RE'SEDA  297,            Mignonette. 

acuminata, 

cross-leaved. 

11  odorata,            scented. 

intermedia, 

intermediate. 

ROCHEA  231. 

odorata, 

odoriferous. 

18  falcata.             sickle-leaved. 

pyramidalis, 

pyramid-flowered. 

Crassula  fulcata. 

"  alba, 

white. 

RHu's45. 

suaveolens, 

sweet-scented. 

ROBI'NIA  45. 

reflexa, 

reflex-leaved. 

ROSCOEA  251. 

stolonifera, 

creeping. 

purpurea,              purple. 

pilosa, 

hairy. 

spicata,                 spike-flowered. 

divaricata, 

early-flowering. 

capitata,               crown-flowered. 

nivalis, 

snowy-white. 

RUE'LLIA  251. 

subulata, 

awl-leaved. 

10  formosa,           handsome. 

PRI'MULA  146,  314, 

Primrose. 

rulgida,                  shining. 

vulgaris, 

English-primrose. 

anisoph^ylla,         unequal-leaved. 

elatior, 

ox-lip. 

persicifolia. 

var.  var. 

polyanthus. 

persicif&lia.           peach-leaved. 

auricula, 

auricula. 

RHA'PIS  251. 

var.  var. 

11  flabelliformis,  creeping-rooted. 

cortusoides, 

cortuso-like. 

RHODODE'NDRON  115,  Rose-tree. 

deiitifldra, 

jagged-flowered. 

16  arboreum,        tree. 

suaveolens, 

sweet-scented. 

"  album,               white-flowered. 

decora, 

pretty. 

"  superbum,         superb. 

scdtica, 

Scotch. 

"  purpureum,      purple-flowered. 

farinosa, 

bird's-eye. 

"  alte-cldrance,    large. 

veris, 
2  sinensis, 

cowslip. 
China. 

campanulatum,     bell-flowered, 
anthopogon,    <,     bearded-flowered. 

"  alba, 

white. 

cinnamomeum,    cinnamon-coloured. 

dentiflora, 

ragged. 

ROE'LLA  116. 

PANCRATIUM  248. 

5  cilliata,              cilliate. 

11  maritimum, 

sea-daffodil. 

spicata,                 spiked-flowered. 

verectfndum, 

narcissus-leaved. 

pedunculata,         peduncled. 

littoralis, 

sea-side. 

RlPHldDE'NDRON  260. 

specipsum, 

showy. 

RVUBUS  325. 

carib^E'uM, 

Caribbean. 

3  rossefdlius,         Bramble-rose, 

POLYSPORA  248. 

R'OSA  172,                China-Rose, 

axillaris, 

axil-flowered. 

12  indica. 

Camellia  axillaris. 

"  minor. 

PASSIFLORA  248, 

Passion-flower. 

animated. 

13  alata, 

winged-stalked. 

Bengal  elongata. 

racemosa, 

racemose. 

Belle-Chinese. 

coerulea  " 

blue 

La-tendere-japonica. 

quadrangularis, 

square-stalked. 

belle-vibert. 

filamentosa, 

thready. 

odorata,                tea-scented. 

picturata, 

pictured. 

"  alba,                   white-tea. 

PAND'ANUS  249, 

Screw-Pine.                      Florence,              scarlet-tea. 

NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


367 


Bengal,        .        yellow-tea. 

Venella. 

Belle-de-monza. 

amaranthe. 

Clintonia. 

semperflorens-pleno. 

Otaheite. 

sanguinea-purpurea. 

Grandvil. 

Indica-alba,          white-China. 

magnifier. 

Florabunda-multiplex. 

Flameea. 

Hibbertia. 

Jacksonia. 

Adamsonia. 

Websteria. 

gigantea. 

Washington. 

calyxifolia. 

Montezuma. 

Hortensia. 

ROSA  156,  common  Moss,  Garden-rose, 
blush  " 

crimson  " 

white  " 

scarlet  " 

Clinton  « 

Damask  *« 

mottled  " 

sweet-briar  " 

de-Meaux  " 

Lee's-crimson-perpetual. 
unique,  or  white-Provence, 
tricolor. 

spinosfssima,        Scotch, 
gallica,  officinale. 

centifolia,  Provins. 

Damacene,  damask, 

alba,  white, 

rubiginosa,  sweet-briar, 

white-monthly, 
red  " 

striped     " 
Black-Tuscany. 
Sponge's-provins. 
favourite-mignone. 
champion, 
fair-maid, 
rouge-superb, 
red-and-violet. 
Pomonia. 
black-fringe, 
royal-provins. 
royal-virgin, 
royal- bouquet. 
Great-Mogul. 


striped-nosegay, 
paragon. 

ornament-de-parade. 
York-and-Lancaster. 
mundii. 
Flanders, 
delicious. 

ROSA  189,  Climbing. 
Champneyana,     pink-cluster, 
blush-noisettia. 

red-noisettia.      scarlet-cluster, 
white-cluster  or  musk, 
superb     "  " 

aralie-noisettia. 

"      purple. 
Bourbon. 
Boursault. 
Lisle. 

microphvylla. 

Franklin,  cluster-tea. 

Banksise,  white. 

M  yellow, 

multiflora, 

"  white. 

"  scarlet. 

*•  purple. 

Grevillii,  many-coloured, 

arvensis  multiplex, 
sempervirens  pleno. 
bracteata  pleno,   Macartney. 
S'AGUS  252,  Sago-Palm. 

11  vinifera,  prickly-leaved. 
Rumphii,  Rumphius'. 

SOLA'NDRA  252. 

7  grandiflora,       large-flowered. 

viridiflora,  green-flowered. 

STROPHA'NTHUS. 

divergens,  spreading. 

dich6tomus,          forked. 
SWIETE'NIA  253,       Mahogany-tree. 

15  mah6goni,        common. 

febrifuga,  febrifuge. 

SA'LVIA  117. 

12  spl^ndens,       splendid, 
coerulea,  blue-flowered, 
coccinea,  scarlet-flowered, 
aurea,                   yellow-leaved, 
paniculata,          panicle-flowered, 
indica,                  Indian. 
e"legans,               elegant. 

SEN'ECIO  117.  ground-sel. 

12  grandiflorus,  large-flowered, 
vemistus,  wing-leaved, 

cinerascens,         gray, 
elegans  pleno,     elegant. 

SCH6TIA  118. 

1  speciosa,          spacious. 


368 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


alata,  wing-leaved, 

latifolia,  broad-leaved. 
Omphalobium  scholia. 

tamarindifolia,  Tamirand-leaved. 
SWAINSONA  118. 

I  galegifdlia,  red-flowered, 
coronillaefolia,  purple-flowered, 
astragalifolia,  white-flowered. 

SCOTTIA  118. 

6  dentata,  toothed. 

angustifdiia,  narrow-leaved. 

trapeziformus,  trapeziforum. 
SPARRMA'NNIA  119. 

12  africana,  African. 

SpHuEROLOBIUM. 

6  vimineum,  yellow-flowered. 

medium,  red-flowered. 
SPRENGE'LIA  119. 

6  incarndta,  flesh-coloured. 
STYLID^UM  120. 

6  graminifoliurn,  grass-leaved, 

fruticosum,  shrubby. 

laricifolium,  larch-leaved. 

adnatum,  adnate. 
STYPHXILIA  120. 

6  tubiflora,  tube-flowered. 

triflora,  three-flowered. 

adscendens,  ascending. 

longifolia,  long-flowered. 
SALPIGLO'SSIS  120. 

13  picta,  painted, 
atropurpiirea,  dark-purple. 
sinuata,  crimson. 

STRELI'TZIA  263. 

19  reginse,  Queen. 

ovata,  oval-leaved. 

humilis,  dwarf. 

agiista,  large-leaved. 

juncea,  rush-leaved. 

parvifolia,  small-leaved. 

farindsa,  mealy-stalked. 

SPARA'XIS  304. 

grandiflora  stri- 

ata,  striped. 

versicolor,  various. 

anemonseflora,    anemone-flowered. 
STERNBE'RGIA  274. 

II  lutea,  yellow. 
Amaryllis  lutea. 

SPREIK'ELIA  207. 

11  formosissima,  Jacobea-lily. 

Amaryllis  formosissima. 
SAPON'ARIA  147,       Soap-wort. 

omcinalis  pleno,  double. 

ciespitosa,  tufted. 

SIL'ENE  147,  Catch-fly. 

viscbsa,  clammy. 

44  plena,          double. 


SAXI'FRAGA  147,  Saxifrage, 

hirsiita,  hairy. 

crassifolia,  thick-leaved. 

granulata  multi- 
plex, double. 

umbrdsa,  London-pride. 

sarraentosa,  sarmentose. 

pulchella,  pretty. 

pyramiddlis,  pyramidal. 
PIR^A  148, 

ulmaria    multi-  double  meadow- 
plex,  sweet. 

filipendula    u  drop-wort. 

lob^ta  lobe-leaved. 

STA'TICE  148.  Thrift. 

vulgaris,  common. 

Armeria  vulgaris. 

speciosa,  showy. 

latifolia,  broad-leaved. 

maritirna,  sea-side. 
TAGVETES  120. 

11  lucida,  sweet-scented. 
TESTUDIN'ARIA  221,  Hottentot's  bread 

elephantipes,         Elephant's-foot. 

montana,  mountain. 
TA'XUS  121.  Yew. 

14  nucifera,  nut-bearing. 
TELOP'EA  121. 

19  speciosissimus,  showy. 
TEMPLETONIA  122. 

6  retusa,  erect. 

glauca,  glaucous. 
TRIST'ANIA  122. 

I  neriifolia,  oleander-leaved, 
confertd,  crowded, 
suaveolens,  scented. 

TECOMA  253, 65. 

10  m6llis,  soft, 
digitata,  digitated. 
spl£ndida,  splendid, 
capensis,  cape, 
stdns,  ash-leaved. 
Bignonia  stdns. 

TABERN^MONT'ANA 

II  coronaria  pleno,  double-white. 
Nerium  coronarium  pleno. 
densifldra,  dense-flawered. 

THR'INAX  254. 

11  parvifldra,  small-flowered. 
TAXA'NTHEMA  149. 

tatarica,  Tartarean. 

Stdtice  tatarica. 

latifolia,  broad-leaved, 

conspicua,  conspicuous. 
THOMVASIA  101. 

1  solanacea,  night-shade-leaved. 

quercifolia,  oak-leaved. 
TRIT'ONIA  304. 


NAMES  OF  PLANTS. 


369 


11  crocata, 

Ixla  croccita. 

xanthosphila, 
THUNBE'RGIA  251 

1  cocci.iea, 

grand iflora, 

fragrans, 

alata, 
TRO'LLIUS  149, 

Europ'aeus, 

Asiaticus, 


crocus-leaved, 
yellow-spotted. 


scarlet. 

large-flowered, 
scented, 
wing-leaved. 
Globe-flower. 
European. 
Asiatic. 
American  arbor-vitae. 

accidentalis,         western. 

orientals,  eastern. 

TIGRI'DIA  208.          Tiger-flower. 

11  pavonia.          peacock. 

conchiiflora,          yellow-spotted. 
TETRAM'ERIUM  228. 

17  odoratissimum,  scented. 

Coffea  occidenlalis. 
VERBE'NA  122,  Vervain. 

chamaedryfolia,    scarlet. 

melindres. 

Lambertii,  Lambert's. 

pulchella,  pretty. 

VIBU'RNUM  123,  306,  45. 

17  tlnus,  laurestinus. 

liicidum,  shining. 

odoratissimum,     scented. 

hirsiitum,  hairy. 

strictum,  erect. 

variegatum,          variegated. 
VEMINVARIA  124. 

6  dcnudata,          half-naked. 
VIRGINIA  124. 

capensis,  cape. 

VOLKAM'ERIA  124. 
VER6N1CA 149.          Speed-well. 

officinalis,  officinal. 

cham'sedrys,         Germander. 

media,  long-spiked. 

incana,  hoary. 

elegans,  elegant. 

spicata,  spiked. 

grandis,  large  white. 

incarnata,  flesh-coloured. 

carnea,  pale  red. 

leucantha,  white-flowered. 

bellidiofdes,          daisy-leaved. 
47 


verna,  vernal. 

am^cena,  fine-blue. 

pulchella,  neat. 

VALERIANA  149. 

dioica,  dioicious. 

VIOLA  150.  Violet. 

odorata,  sweet-scented. 

"     pleno  alba,  double-white. 
"    "  purpiirea,     "     purple. 
WITS'ENIA  125. 

8  corymbosa,        corymbose. 
WESTRI'NGIA  125. 

I  rosmarinif6rmis,  rosemary-leaved, 
longifolia.  long-leaved. 

WACHENDO'RFIA  24. 
WHALE'NBERGIA  136. 

7  grandiflora,        large-flowered. 

Campanula  grandiflora. 
WATSONIA  304. 

II  iridifolia,          iris-leaved, 
rosea,  rose-coloured, 
hutnilis,  dwarf, 
fulgida,                  scarlet. 
AnthoVyza  fulgens. 

rubens,  red-spotted. 

WISTARIA  197. 

frute'scens,  shrubby. 

GPycine  frutescens. 

chineusis,  Chinese. 

Gr-ycine  chinensis. 
YU'CCA  150.  Adam's-needle. 

superba,  superb. 

Gloridsa. 

aloiiolia,  aloe-leaved. 

angustifolia,        narrow-leaved. 

acuminata,  tapering-flowered. 

serrulata,  saw-leaved. 

filamentosa,         thready. 
Z^AMIA  125,  254. 

11  h6rrida,  horrid. 

piingens,  pungent. 

spiralis,  spiral. 

latifolia,  broad-leaved. 

media,  intermediate. 

furfuracea,  chafly. 

tenuis,  slender. 

integrifolia,          entire-leaved. 
ZI'NGIBKR  36.  Ginger. 


INDEX. 


Airing  the  green-house,  20.  38. 172. 

hot-house,  33. 

Annuals,  of  sowing  tender,  53. 
Awning  for  hyacinths,  202. 
for  carnations,  277. 
for  plants,  256. 

Box  edgings,  directions  for  planting,  139. 
Bulbs,  of  protecting,  25. 

preserving  of  Cape,  175. 
method  of  planting  Dutch  318. 
care  of  tender  328. 
Bulbous  roots,  of  uncovering,  152. 

"        «      protecting,  152. 
Cistern,  of  a,  12.  273. 
Cold,  in  the  green-house,  effects  of,  21. 
Cleanliness,  good  and  bad  effects  of,  38. 
Clipping  shrubs,  observations  on,  44. 
Carnation,  qualities  of  a  fine,  275. 

«          and  pink  layers,  care  of,  307. 
Camellias,  period  of  selecting,  316. 
Coverings,  oil-cloth,  342. 
Damp,  in  the  green-house,  effects  of,  20. 

22. 

Dahlias,  forwarding  in  a  hot-bed,  181. 
Daisies,  primroses,  &c.  method  of  pro- 
tecting, 321. 
Engine  for  the  green-house,  best  kind 

of,  19. 

Enarching,  method  of,  127. 
Edgings,  fancy,  162. 

"       method  of  dressing  box,  211. 
Fires,  how  to  regulate  the,  21.  33. 
Fumigating,  method  of,  13. 
Frames,  of  protecting,  26. 
Glass,  effects  of  broken,  43. 
"        "        of  double,  338. 
Grass-seeds,  most  approved,  161. 
"    walks,  of  laying  down,  ib. 
Grafting,  whip  or  tongue,  163. 
Green-house,  temperature  of  the,  340. 

"  how  to  regulate  the,  ib. 

Geraniums,  how  to  prune  or  dress,  286. 
Hedges,  how  to  keep  evergreen,  211. 
Herbaceous  plants,  how  to  treat,  325. 
"  "     criterion  for  planting, 

151. 

Hotbeds,  of  making,  52.  178. 
Hyacinth,  properties  of  a  good,  202. 
Hyacinths,  of  plunging  new  potted,  305. 


Insects,  their  destruction,  12.  30.  35. 56. 

"      effects  of  light  on,  17. 
Inoculation,  method  of,  47. 
Liquid  for  orange  and  lemon  trees,  39. 
"      to  destroy  the  cocus  insect,  15. 
Lime  trees,  situation  in  the  green-house 

of,  312. 

Leaves,  bad  effects  of,  332. 
Mildew  on  Camellias,  &c.,  how  to  de- 
stroy, 22,  23. 173. 
Manure,  fermentation  of,  52. 
Orange  and  Lemon  trees,  when  to  trans 

plant,  287. 
"  "  "        how  to  prune, 

289. 

Plants,  criterion  for  repotting,  126. 
"      of  training  climbing  green-house, 

176. 
"      in  summer  the  best  situation  for, 

256. 

Pots,  method  of  draining  flower,  126. 
Pruning,  good  or  bad  effects  of,  27. 

"       various  shrubs,  manner  of,  45. 
"       China  roses,  manner  of,  189. 
*•       climbing  ever-blooming  roses, 

method  of,  191. 
"  "         roses,  195. 

Planting,  bad  effects  in,  334 

"       state  of  the  soil  when,  48. 
Pink,  qualities  of  a  fine,  276. 
Perennials,  description  of  fine,  133. 
Parlours,treatment  of  plants  in,  28. 54. 343. 
Repotting  plants,  17.  35.  41. 57.  61.  169. 
Roses,  how  to  retard  the  blooming  of,  155. 
'      finest  sorts  of,  156. 

*  varieties  of,  ib. 

1      of  fancy  planting,  157. 

*  of  mulching,  158. 

1      in  June,  reasons  for  pruning,  279. 

'      nature  of  the  soil  for,  323. 

1      early,  how  to  have,  344. 
Shutters,  benefit  of,  10. 

"        how  to  make,  337. 
Slugs,  detect,  25. 

4      how  to  destroy,  267. 
Stocks,  of  procuring  seed  from  flowering, 

176. 
Shrubs,  of  uncovering  129. 

"       pleasure  and  effect  of,  48. 


372 


INDEX,  &c. 


Shrubs,  manner  of  planting,  50. 

"       of  supporting,  51. 

"       of  packing,  51. 
Snow  on  the  houses,  bad  effects  of,  34. 
Syringes,  best  kind  of,  19. 
Syringing,  good  effects  of,  14. 19.  37.  39. 

Tieing  up  plants,  method  of,  19. 
Tubs  for  trees,  perforated,  59. 

"  "     best  kind  of,  288. 

Trees,  of  heading  down,  59. 

"      of  watering  and  arranging  large, 

259. 

Tanners'  bark,  nature  of,  332. 
Tan-bed,  plunge  the  plants  in  the,  339. 
Tobacco  for  destroying  insects,  decoction 

of,  60. 


Turf,  of  laying,  160. 

Trellises,  of,  196. 

Tulip,  properties  of  a  fine,  203. 

Watering,  good  or  bad  effects  of,  11.  21. 
29.  34.  56.  58. 

Water  on  hot-house  plants,  effects  of  cold, 
12. 

Watering-pot,  best  kind  of,  11. 

Wounds  on  trees,  composition  for  cover- 
ing, 172. 

White-washing  the  glass  with  whiting, 
of,  173. 

Walks  with  turf,  of  laying,  209. 

Wall-flowers,  how  to  propagate,  268. 

"  and  stocks,  time  of  lifting, 

307. 


LIST  OF  HARDY  SHRUBS. 


Those  marked  thus  *,  require  protection  in  winter,  and  those  marked  thus  t,  shade  in 


AMORPHA, 

Bastard-indigo. 

var.  var. 

red,  white,  and  pur- 

fruticosa, 

shrubby. 

ple. 

AMY'GDALUS, 

Almond. 

GORD\JNIA, 

Franklinia. 

nana, 

dwarf. 

pubescens, 

downy. 

pumila, 

double-flowering. 

HIBISCUS, 

Althaea. 

ae"rsica, 

peach-leaved. 

syriacus, 

Althaea  frutax. 

ANDRdMEDA. 

var.  var. 

all  the  species. 

HYDRVANGEA. 

AzVALEA, 

American  honeysuc- 

all the  varieties. 

kle. 

t*hortensis, 

garden. 

all  the  hardy 

species. 

'ILEX, 

Holly. 

AUCI/BA, 

Gold-tree. 

var.  var. 

tjaponica, 

Japan. 

JASM^INUM, 

Jasmine, 

Bt/xus, 

Box-tree. 

fruticans, 

shrubby. 

two  species. 

officinale, 

climbing  white. 

CALYCXANTHUS, 

Sweet-scented  shrub. 

JUNIPXERUS, 

Juniper. 

floridus, 

purple-flowered. 

suecica, 

Swedish. 

var.  var. 
CASTI'NEA, 
ptimila, 
CE'RCIS, 
canadensis. 

Chesnut-tree. 
dwarf. 
Judas-tree. 

virginicus, 

KA'LMIA, 

glduca, 
latiiolia, 

Virginian. 
American  Laurel, 
glaucous, 
broad-leaved. 

CIJIONA'NTHUS. 
virginica, 

Fringe-tree, 
common. 

LA'URUS, 
*nobilis, 

Laurel, 
sweet-bay. 

CLE'THRA. 

var.  var. 

all  the  hardy 

CdRNUS, 

species. 
Dogwood. 

LAVEND^ULA, 

spica, 

Lavender, 
spike-flowered. 

fl6rida, 

large-flowered. 

MAGN'OLIA. 

sangftinea, 
Daphne. 

bloody. 

purpilrea, 
R6bu?, 

purple, 
slender. 

mezerium, 

red. 

gracilis. 

%    ' 

LIST  OF  HARDY  SHRUBS. 


373 


grandifldra, 

large-flowered. 

ROB!NIA, 

Locust-tree. 

var.  var. 

hlspida, 

rose-acacia. 

thomsoniana, 

hybrid. 

S6RBUS. 

conspicua, 

zoulan. 

hxybrida, 

mountain-ash  —  a 

soulangeana, 

hybrid. 

beautiful  shrub. 

PHILAD'ELPHUS, 

mock-orange. 

SpIR\ffiA. 

grandiflora, 

large-flowered. 

tomentvosa, 

tomentose. 

man  a, 

dwarf. 

b^lla. 

red  flowered. 

variegatus, 

variegated. 

frutex. 

shawy. 

PXINUS, 

Pine  or  Fir-tree. 

SYMPHVORA, 

Snow-berry. 

balsamea, 

balm  of  Gilead. 

racemvosa, 

white-berried. 

PINCKNE'YA, 

Georgia  bark-tree. 

glomerata. 

red-berried. 

pubens, 

downy. 

SYRVINGA, 

Lilac. 

PRU'NUS, 

Cherry. 

all  the  species. 

*lusit£nica, 

Portugal-laurel. 

TA'XUS, 

Yew. 

*laurocerasus, 

English-laurel. 

baccata. 

RHODODE'NDRON, 

Rose-bay. 

hibernica, 

a  handsome,  erect 

catawbie"nse, 

Catawba. 

growing  evergreen. 

dauricum, 

daurian. 

THI/JA. 

arbor-vitse. 

var.  var. 

occidentals, 

American. 

p6nticumt 

pink. 

orient'alis, 

Chinese. 

var.  var. 

TI'LLIA, 

Lime  or  Linden.tree. 

maximum. 

common. 

parvifxolia, 

small-leaved. 

RHXUS, 

Sumach. 

coccinea, 

scartet. 

cotinus, 

mist-tree. 

VIB'URNUM. 

RI'BES. 

opulus, 

guelder-rose. 

aureum, 

fragrant. 

var.  var. 

sangulneum, 

bloody. 

LIST  OF  ANNUALS  THAT  MAY  BE  SOWN  ON  A  HOT-BED. 


IPOM'OEA,  Cypress-vine. 

var.  var. 
MIM\>SA. 

sensitiva,  sensitive-plant. 

STRAMONIUM. 

purpurea  pleno     double-blue. 

alba  "  "      white. 

SCHIZA'NTHUS. 

pinnatus  and  porrigens. 

A'STER. 

chinensis,  Queen  Margaret's. 

var.  var. 
CALBND'ULA,  Mary-gold. 

u  African,  French. 

"  dwarf  and  sweet-scented 

XERA'NTHEMUM  of  sorts. 
STOCKS,  10  week  varieties. 


AMARA'NTHUS, 

Amaranth. 

tric6lor, 

three-coloured. 

hypochondriacus 

,  Prince's-Feather. 

caudatus, 
globbosus, 

love-lies-bleeding, 
globe. 

var.  var. 

BALSAM'INA, 

Ladies  -slipper. 

hortensis, 

garden. 

var.  var. 

BROWA'LLIA. 

elata, 

blue. 

var. 

white. 

CA'NNA, 

Indian-shot. 

indica, 

Indian. 

CEL'OSIA. 

cristata, 

cockscomb. 

var.  var. 

374 


HARDY  ANNUALS,  &c. 


HARDY  ANNUALS. 


ALT  SSUM,  white  or  sweet. 

ANT'IRHI'NUM  latifoUia. 

"    medium. 

"    specio'sum. 

"    versicolor. 
ARGERATUM  mexicanum. 

"       odoratum. 
ARGEMONE,  of  sorts. 
ASTER,  Chinese,  of  varieties. 
AMARANTHUS,    do.        do. 
BALSAM,  do.        do. 

CACC\ALIA  Coccinea. 
CENTA'UREA  Americana. 
CALCEOLARIA  of  sorts. 
CLA'SKIA,  pulche"lla. 
CELOSIA  of  sorts. 

CALENDULA  MARY- GOLD,  of  sorts. 
CANDYTUFT,  of  var. 
CONVO'LVULUS,  of  var. 
COREOPSIS,  of  var. 
GYPSOPHXILA  elegans. 
HOLLYHOCK,  Chinese,  of  var. 
HAWKWEED,  of  var. 
IPOM'EA,  do. 

LARKSPUR,  dwarf-rocket. 


LARKSPUR,  branching. 
"       Neapolitan. 

LOVE-LIES-BLEEDING. 

LUPINS,  of  sorts. 

MARVEL  OF  PERU.  ,• 

MIGNONETTE,  sweet. 

MARYGOLD,  of  sorts. 

NASTURTIUM,  dwarf. 

NIGELLA,  of  var. 

CENOTHERA,  do.  do. 

PINK  INDIAN. 

PEAS,  sweet,  of  sorts. 

PERSICVARIA,  red  and  white. 

POPPY,  double  var. 

PRINCESS  FEATHER. 

SNAP-DRAGON. 

STOCK,  PRUSSIAN,  in  var. 

SUN-FLOWER,  of  var. 

SULTAN,  sweet. 

SILENE,  of  sorts. 

VENUS'  LOOKING-GLASS. 

"      NAVEL-WORT. 
XERANTHEMUM,  of  var. 
ZINNIA,  elegans. 
"      of  sorts. 


[We  have  not  been  minute  in  the  list  of  annuals,  as  they  are  generally  known, 
and  a  judicious  selection  adapted  to  this  country  may  be  found  in  the  catalogue  of 
D.  &  C.  Landreth,  Philadelphia,  or  that  of  Smith  &  Hogg,  New  York.] 


HARDY  BIENNIALS. 


CAMPANULA  spicata. 

«        medium  Canterbury -bells. 

"  **        dlbida,  white. 

DELPHI'NIUM  pictum. 
DIAIT'ALIS,  Fox  Glove. 

"    purpurea. 

«    dlba. 

HONESTY,  or  LUNARIA. 
HONEYSUCKLE,  French. 
HORNED  POPPY. 
H'UMEA,  Elegans. 
MA'LVA  ARB^OREA. 
MIMULUS,  of  var. 
(ENOTH'ERA,  Evening  Primrose. 


elata, 

tall. 

suaveolens, 

sweet-scented. 

spectdbilis, 

showy. 

biennis, 

common. 

var.  var. 

longiflvora. 

long-flower. 

corymbvosa, 

corymbose. 

SIL'ENE, 

Catch-fly. 

"    multifl^ora, 

many-flowered. 

"     viscosa, 

clammy. 

'•     divaric^ata, 

avaricate. 

WALL-FLOWER, 

bloody. 

M 

white. 

it 

yellow. 

375 


TABLE  OF  SOILS. 


THE  following  compound  of  soils  are  adapted  to  the  nature  of  the  Plants  contained 
in  this  Work. 

The  figures  attached  to  the  first  species  of  each  Genus  refer  to  the  Table  of  Soils, 
where  the  compost  is  in  parts ;  and  where  any  figures  occur  in  the  same  Genus,  the 
species  following  are  of  the  same  nature. 


NUMBER. 

Savanna. 

Loam. 

Leaf. 

Sand.        fl 

lani 

1 

2       - 

1 

. 

•  •       •         • 

_ 

2 

. 

3 

2 

"  .  ' 

m 

4 

i 

4 

'    '*    '  -'  S 

2 

1 

nil 

6 

3 

1 

* 

7 

3 

1 

1 

8 

4        - 

1 

•m 

^ 

„ 

9 

_ 

2 

2 

1 

_ 

10 

1 

1 

1 

_ 

_ 

11 

ffiiP  >   ,» 

3 

2 

1 

„ 

12 

_ 

3 

1 

1 

1 

13 

2 

2 

1 

1 

14 

•f      '        '•* 

4 

•Ji  ^  • 

'.        I 

B 

15 

•                • 

4 

2 

1 

. 

16 

4 

'.'•  ''•'-.-'• 

1 

ik 

_ 

17 

. 

5 

1 

1 

1 

18  • 

•      .           .   m*' 

1 

1 

1       ¥ 

. 

19 

1 

1 

REMARKS  ON  THE  NATURE  OF  SOILS  USED  IN  THE  ABOVE  TABLE. 

Savanna  soil — is  of  a  dark  colour,  with  a  large  portion  of  white  sand  incorpo- 
rated with  it,  and  is  found  frequently  in  New  Jersey.  A  mixture  of  two-thirds 
black  earth  from  the  woods,  and  one-third  of  pure  white  sand,  will  be  similar  to 
it,  and  may  be  used  as  a  substitute,  but  is  not  exactly  of  the  same  nature. 

Loam — is  of  a  light  brown  colour,  and  is  that  from  old  pastures  or  commons,  which 
should  lie  one  year,  and  be  frequently  turned  before  using.  It  ought  not  to  be 
from  a  clay  bottom. 

Leaf  mould — is  that  which  is  to  be  found  on  the  surface  of  the  ground  in  woods, 
and  is  the  decomposed  leaves.  It  may  be  termed  nearly  of  first  rate  importance 
in  vegetation. 

Sand — is  a  substance  that  is  generally  known,  and  that  which  is  found  on  the  sur- 
face is  decidedly  the  best.  If  it  is  from  a  pit,  it  must  be  spread  out,  and  frequently 
turned,  that  it  may  assimilate  with  the  atmosphere  before  using ; — four  months 
will  be  sufficient. 

Manure — before  using,  must  be  decomposed  to  very  fine  particles.  It  will  require 
two  years,  during  which  time  it  must  be  often  turned,  and  the  longer  it  lays  it 
will  be  the  finer  and  more  congenial. 


* 

..>     '  '   * 


4 

* 


HIBBERT  AND  BUIJST, 

EXOTIC   NURSERYMEN  AND   FLORISTS, 

Respectfully  inform  their  friends  and  the  public  generally,  that  in  addition 
to  the  Garden  in  Thirteenth- street,  they  have  purchased  the  Nursery  Grounds, 
Green-Houses,  &c.,  established  by  the  late  B.  M'Mahon,  Esq.,  on  the  township 
line,  near  the  Germantown  toad,  about  three  miles  from  the  city,  where  the  pro- 
pagation and  cultivation  of  Ornamental  Trees,  Shrubs,  Plants,  and  Flowers,  will 
hereafter  be  extensively  carried  on,  and  improved  in  accordance  to  the  increasing 
demand. 

The  Thirteenth-street  Garden  will  be  appropriated  as  a  repository  for  the  sale 
of  plants  and  the  receiving  of  orders. 

A  splendid  collection  of  Camellia  Japonica,  containing  the  most  approved  and 
distinct  varieties;  also  a  very  large  selection  of  the  most  esteemed  and  beautiful 
Roses.  Their  Dahlias  were  selected  by  R.  Buist,  last  year,  from  the  finest  col- 
lection in  England,  together  with  many  Ornamental  and  other  Plants  not  sur- 
passed for  extent  in  the  Union. 

Orders  at  either  of  the  establishments,  or  per  post,  will  be  duly  received  and 
punctually  attended  to.  ._ 

0\ 


YCi 08227 


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